Preserving the Past and Inspiring the Future: My STEM Externship at the Museum of Idaho

This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Idaho STEM Externship Program at the Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls. I truly loved working at the museum and learning about the important work happening behind the scenes. My externship allowed me to work with both the Curatorial and Education departments, giving me a deeper understanding of how the museum preserves Idaho’s history and shares it with the community.

While working with the Curatorial Department, I spent time in the archives and learned about the careful processes museums use to preserve and organize their collections. One of my primary projects involved digitizing historical slides. The slides had to be carefully organized, positioned, scanned, and numbered so that each image remained connected to the correct historical information. This work required patience, accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.

Digitizing the slides helped me understand how technology can be used to preserve historical materials and make them more accessible for future research and education. It also showed me that STEM is not limited to laboratories or engineering companies. Technology, problem-solving, and system design are essential parts of museum and archival work.

I also had the opportunity to learn about the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, commonly known as NAGPRA. This experience helped me understand the museum’s responsibility to carefully document its collections, follow federal requirements, and work respectfully with Native American Tribes. Learning about NAGPRA was an important reminder that museum work is not only about preserving objects. It is also about honoring the people, cultures, and stories connected to those objects.

One of my favorite parts of working with the Curatorial Department was meeting with the team each week. During these meetings, I learned more about the museum’s collections, the history of Idaho Falls, and the many steps involved in caring for historical materials. I appreciated how willing everyone was to share their knowledge and answer my questions. These conversations made me feel like a valued member of the team and helped me see how collaboration supports the museum’s mission.

I also worked with the museum’s Education Department. This team was so much fun to work with, and I loved meeting with them each week. Their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment to making learning engaging for children and families were inspiring.

A major focus of my work with the Education Department was the museum’s Discovery Trunks. These trunks are filled with curriculum materials, artifacts, replicas, lessons, books, and hands-on activities that schools and community members can rent. They allow teachers to bring the museum experience directly into their classrooms.

I helped explore ways to make the Discovery Trunk rental process more organized and efficient through scheduling tools, digital forms, QR codes, and automated communication. This project showed me how technology can improve an educational program and make valuable resources easier for teachers to access.

Working with the Discovery Trunks was especially meaningful to me because of my background in education and curriculum development. I enjoyed seeing how the museum combines history, science, technology, and hands-on learning. The trunks give students opportunities to investigate authentic topics, ask questions, examine evidence, and make meaningful connections to Idaho’s history.

My externship helped me recognize the wide variety of careers available within a museum. Museums need educators, archivists, curators, researchers, collections specialists, exhibit designers, technology professionals, and community outreach staff. Each person contributes different skills, but they all work together to preserve the past and create engaging learning experiences.

I am excited to bring what I learned back to the educators and students I work with. I have new ideas for incorporating primary sources, local history, digital preservation, inquiry, and hands-on learning into the curriculum. I also have a greater appreciation for the Museum of Idaho as an educational resource for our entire community.

The Idaho STEM Externship Program creates a valuable bridge between educators and local organizations. It allows educators to experience real-world applications of the skills we teach while contributing to meaningful projects in our communities. I am grateful to the Idaho STEM Externship Program and the Museum of Idaho for this incredible opportunity. Most of all, I am grateful to the Curatorial and Education teams for welcoming me, teaching me, and making this such an enjoyable and meaningful summer experience.