Dylan McAdams
Silver Spring,MD
Summary
Accomplished Museum and Collections Professional with expertise in collection management, object research, cataloging, and digitization. Led initiatives that enhanced public engagement and supported exhibitions at cultural institutions in Washington, DC. Focused on data management and collections documentation to improve visitor experiences and operational efficiency. Holds a master's degree in history and extensive experience in historical research and museum interpretation.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Museum Assistant
Beacon Hill Staffing Group LLC./Smithsonian (NASM)
Washington, DC
07.2024 - Current
- Represented museum professionally, welcoming visitors and delivering accurate information on collections and exhibitions.
- Responded to visitor inquiries, ensuring a positive and accessible experience.
- Prepared equipment, signage, stanchions, and visitor areas for safe museum openings.
- Maintained organized, professional environments to enhance visitor and staff experiences.
- Supported high-volume national museum operations with attention to detail and effective communication.
Museum Specialist
Illumen Group Inc./Bureau of Engraving & Printing
Washington, DC
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Cataloged and managed historical products to ensure preservation and accurate documentation.
- Created and updated object records in collection management database, ensuring accuracy through diligent reviews.
- Organized and secured collection objects to ensure stability and accessibility.
- Monitored collection for deterioration signs, implementing effective care practices.
- Digitized collection objects and entered image files into database, improving access for researchers and the public.
- Conducted research using Bureau of Engraving and Printing resources to facilitate accurate identification.
- Developed and maintained policies for effective management of historical products collection, ensuring compliance with best practices.
Visitor Service Assistant
Ruchman And Associates/Smithsonian (NMAAHC)
Washington, DC
08.2022 - 12.2023
- Achieved VIP tour certification as first visitor service assistant, enhancing service quality for high-profile guests.
- Delivered informed and welcoming service to enhance visitor experiences at museum.
- Educated visitors on exhibitions, galleries, and collections, enhancing their understanding and engagement.
- Monitored visitor flow and managed gallery capacity to ensure safety and comfort.
- Trained and mentored fellow assistants, improving overall visitor service through shared knowledge and experience.
- Supported colleagues through structured shadowing and evaluation processes to improve engagement.
Museum Assistant
The Phillips Collection
Washington, DC
03.2022 - 08.2022
- Managed modern art collections and coordinated special exhibitions, enhancing visitor engagement and appreciation.
- Monitored permanent collection and special exhibition galleries to ensure optimal presentation of works by Renoir, Van Gogh, and Picasso.
- Represented museum professionally, delivering accurate information on collections and exhibitions to visitors.
- Enforced museum policies to safeguard artworks and uphold integrity of spaces for visitors and staff.
Intern
The House of the Temple
Washington, DC
08.2018 - 01.2022
- Transcribed and digitized historical documents for researcher access and dissemination.
- Collaborated with library to organize and digitize collection materials, enhancing accessibility for users.
- Cataloged, tagged, and archived materials using PastPerfect collection management software.
- Organized and retrieved collection objects for institutional projects and staff use.
- Managed and maintained in-house collection to ensure preservation and accessibility.
- Contributed to development of new exhibition featuring previously unseen historical objects, increasing public engagement with the collection.
- Redesigned existing exhibitions to enhance contemporary visitor experiences.
- Oversaw construction of display cases, organizing artifacts to maximize visitor engagement and optimize presentation.
Intern
World War One Centennial Commission
Washington, DC
01.2018 - 05.2018
- Conducted research on military service organizations, veteran service organizations, and foreign legion organizations.
- Developed targeted historical research skills and organized findings for project implementation.
- Compiled contact information to support institutional outreach efforts. contact information for future institutional use.
Education
Master of Arts - History
American University
Washington, DCBachelor of Arts - History
American University
Washington, DCSkills
- Collections management
- Cataloging
- Collection databases
- PastPerfect software
- The Museum System (TMS)
- Object identification
- Art research
- Archiving
- Exhibition design
- Bibliographic research
- Visitor engagement training
- Chicago style
Timeline
Museum Assistant
Beacon Hill Staffing Group LLC./Smithsonian (NASM)
07.2024 - Current
Museum Specialist
Illumen Group Inc./Bureau of Engraving & Printing
01.2024 - 05.2024
Visitor Service Assistant
Ruchman And Associates/Smithsonian (NMAAHC)
08.2022 - 12.2023
Museum Assistant
The Phillips Collection
03.2022 - 08.2022
Intern
The House of the Temple
08.2018 - 01.2022
Intern
World War One Centennial Commission
01.2018 - 05.2018
Master of Arts - History
American University
Bachelor of Arts - History
American University