Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer Experience
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic

MONICA ROWELL

Waialua,HI

Summary

Multifaceted curator proficient in collections and archival management. Well-organized and thorough in maintaining catalogs and collection management systems. Offering extensive experience in project management.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Curator and Archivial Specialist

Center For Environmental Management Military Lands
08.2023 - Current

· Developed policies and procedures that aligned with professional standards for collection and archives management as well as preservation practices.

· Developed collection’s risk management, emergency, and post care plans.

· Advised cultural resources on policies, procedures, collection development strategies, and ethical considerations when handling sensitive cultural property issues.

· Moved and handled various types of artifacts, material remains, cultural items, human bones with exceptional care, following all NAGPRA requirements.

· Enhanced accessibility to the collection and archived materials for researchers and the public by developing comprehensive finding aids and digital databases.

· Preserved valuable historical documents and maps by implementing proper archival storage techniques and maintaining optimal environmental conditions.

· Improved collection organization and streamlined retrieval process with meticulous cataloging of archival materials.

· Implemented effective digitization strategies, increasing access to historical resources for remote users worldwide.

· Provided reference assistance to the team of archaeologist to locating relevant resources within the archives, curation, and digitally.

· Safeguarded intellectual property rights by adhering to legal guidelines concerning copyright restrictions when providing access to archival materials.

· Contributed subject matter expertise during strategic planning processes, helping to shape long-term goals for the institution’s programs.

· Attended training programs to deepen professional skillset.

· Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.

· Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.

· Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.

· Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.

· Developed and updated tracking spreadsheets for process environmental monitoring and reporting.

Museum Collections and Exhibit Specialist

Sixth Street Museum District
09.2021 - 08.2023

· Enhanced visitor experience by curating innovative and engaging exhibits.

· Collaborated with artists and other institutions for diverse and enriching exhibitions, attracting a wider audience.

· Managed the acquisition of new artwork, ensuring the collection stayed relevant and uptodate.

· Assisted with the development educational programs that correlated with my exhibitions for various age groups, promoting art appreciation within the community.

· Oversaw proper storage, preservation, and conservation methods to ensure the longevity of valuable artifacts.

· Assisted researchers with access to specialized resources within the museum's collection for scholarly investigation purposes.

· Facilitated loans between institutions for collaborative exhibitions that expanded regional exposure of museum holdings.

· Received, accessioned, photographed, cataloged, researched and prepared collections, objects, and donations for long term storage and digital accessibility.

· Preserved valuable historical documents by implementing proper archival storage techniques and maintaining optimal environmental conditions.

· Maintained the library collections effectively and ensured accessibility to staff and guest.

· Enhanced accessibility to archived materials for researchers and the public by developing comprehensive finding aids and digital databases.

· Ensured preservation of fragile materials, conducting conservation treatments on damaged items as needed.

· Developed policies and procedures that aligned with professional standards for collection and archives management.

· Packed traveling exhibits with conformance to loan specifications.

Project Manager/Photographer

Goodwin Imaging
01.2016 - 01.2021

· Photographing 48 + schools, sports, and graduation events and scheduled

up to 100+ events/month

· Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.

· Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.

· Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.

· Enhanced client satisfaction through exceptional Lightroom and Photoshop editing skills, resulting in repeat business and referrals.

· Delivered high-quality images under tight deadlines, demonstrating strong time management skills.

· Increased overall productivity by effectively managing schedules appointments, location scouting, equipment maintenance, image processing, archiving photoshoots.

· Managed and organized photo database using consistent naming conventions and key-wording for search optimization.

· Designed, created, and installed appropriate themed sets, props, and backdrops.

· Trained new photographers in use of camera equipment and editing software.

Owner/Interior Designer

Creative Interiors by Monica
01.2004 - 01.2016

· Designs from concept to completionfor commercial and residential design

· Specialized in custom window treatments and bedding, children, and businesses themed rooms, updating historical homes, staging homes for resale, and events decorating.

· Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.

· Strong project management skills, and supervisory of subcontractors and fabricators, realistic cost estimate for project budgets.

· Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.

· Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.

· Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.

· Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.

· Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.

· Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.

· Ensured regulatory compliance by staying abreast of industry-related changes and implementing necessary policies or procedures as needed.

· Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.

Education

Cultural Heritage -

The University of Westminster

European Architecture and British Interiors -

The University of Chelsea

Master’s Degree - Museum Studies

Johns Hopkins University
12.2020

Bachelor of Science - Interior Design

The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS
07.1994

Skills

    MUSEUM MANAGEMENT:

  • Collection management
  • Curation of various types of collections
  • Exhibit planning, preparation, & installation
  • Art and artifact handling
  • Writing and implementing policies/procedures
  • PastPerfect/accessioning/cataloging
  • Preservation/conservation
  • Research/writing/editing
  • Prop design and crafter
  • Social media promotion
  • Project management
  • Public engagement
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Archive management
  • COLLECTIONS CARE:

  • Collection inventory
  • Collection accessioning & labeling
  • Artifact preservation
  • Object handling
  • Archival storage
  • Environmental/pest monitoring
  • Deaccessioning procedures
  • Ordering archival quality supplies
  • ARTIFACT DOCUMENTATION:

  • Object research
  • Condition reporting
  • Collections organization
  • Collection descriptions & metadata
  • Photographing
  • BONUS SKILLS:

  • Multitasking
  • Interpretation and storytelling
  • Problem-solving
  • Volunteer coordination
  • Attention to detail
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Microsoft Office & Google Suites
  • Organization & task management
  • Photography/graphics
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Interior design
  • Photoshop
  • SketchUp
  • Supervisory/training
  • Detail orientated
  • Critical thinking
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Video editing
  • Certifications, Training, and Organization Memberships

    Image Permanence Institute, Atlanta, GA, October 2017,

    Hattiesburg Historical Society, Hattiesburg, MS, 2016, Present

    Historical Downtown Hattiesburg Association, Hattiesburg, MS, 2018-Present

Volunteer Experience

  • Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, Hattiesburg, MS, 2017, 2019, Assisted with weapon conservation and preservation, Curator and collection management duties, Archival data entry, Event support
  • The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Docent & Chair of Guild, Laurel, MS, 2016, 2020, Assisted with exhibition installation and de-installation, Library reorganization and deaccession, Archival data entry, Children’s art festivals and classes, Events and tours, Organized yearly guild event photos into scrapbooks
  • The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art Guild, Laurel, MS, 2013 -2023.
  • University of Southern Mississippi’s Library and Archives, Hattiesburg, MS, Summer 2017, Accessioned donated a collection of archival photographs and slides.

References

  • Caroline Carney, Former Information & Social Media Specialist, African American Military History Museum/6th St. Museum District, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401, 228-209-7800, Caroline.carnewy@outlook.com
  • Daniel Goodwin, Owner/Photographer, Goodwin Imaging, 376 Trussell Rd, Petal, MS, 39465, 601-366-1106, goodwin@goodwinimaging.com
  • Glenn Husted, Former Collection Manager, Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, Building 850 Forrest Ave, Hattiesburg, MS, 39407, 601-550-7872, Glenn.l.husted.nfg@mail.mil
  • Stephen MaGee, Vehicle and Arms Conservator, Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, Building 850 Forrest Ave, Hattiesburg, MS, 39407, 601-558-2313, 502-415-0958, smagee@mafm.us
  • Dr. Peter Ride, Principal Research Fellow, Director, University of Westminster, 309 Regent Street, London, GB, W1b 2HW, 44-79-7959-0449, P.E.Ride@westminster.ac.uk
  • George Bassi, Director, Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, 565 N. 5th Ave, Laurel, MS, 39440, 601-649-6373, 601-649-6374, gbassi@lrma.org

Languages

German
Limited Working

Timeline

Curator and Archivial Specialist

Center For Environmental Management Military Lands
08.2023 - Current

Museum Collections and Exhibit Specialist

Sixth Street Museum District
09.2021 - 08.2023

Project Manager/Photographer

Goodwin Imaging
01.2016 - 01.2021

Owner/Interior Designer

Creative Interiors by Monica
01.2004 - 01.2016

Cultural Heritage -

The University of Westminster

European Architecture and British Interiors -

The University of Chelsea

Master’s Degree - Museum Studies

Johns Hopkins University

Bachelor of Science - Interior Design

The University of Southern Mississippi
MONICA ROWELL