Museum Mondays: A Team Effort — Behind the Scenes at the West Chicago City Museum

As we wrap up our Museum Mondays Departments of a Museum series, it’s time to take a step back and appreciate the dedicated individuals who bring the West Chicago City Museum to life. With a team of just five part-time staff members, our museum operates as a finely tuned machine, ensuring every department runs smoothly. Let’s take a closer look at how these roles come together to make it all happen.

The Team Behind the Museum

1. Director/Curator
   The Director/Curator wears many hats, serving as the museum’s leader and visionary. They oversee all departments, ensuring that the museum’s mission to preserve and promote local history is at the heart of every decision. From developing exhibits to securing funding, this role requires strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. The Director/Curator also collaborates with the community and manages external partnerships. Our Museum Director/Curator also works with other staff members to complete the many research requests we receive each month.
   

2. Collections Staff
   Responsible for preserving and managing the museum’s artifacts, the Collections Staff ensures that every piece in the collection is cared for and documented. They work closely with the Director/Curator to curate exhibits and coordinate preservation and conservation efforts, ensuring that the museum’s treasures remain accessible and intact for future generations.
   

3. Registration Staff
   The Registration Staff is the meticulous record-keeper of the museum. They manage the cataloging and tracking of artifacts, handle loans, and ensure compliance with ethical guidelines. Their detailed work provides the foundation for research, exhibits, and collections management.
   

4. Front Desk Staff
   As the face of the museum, the Front Desk Staff provides a warm welcome to every visitor. They manage admissions, answer questions, and assist with events, ensuring a positive and engaging experience for all. Their role is vital in creating a friendly and accessible atmosphere. While staffing the Front Desk, they also help other with projects from all areas of the museum.
   

5. Data Entry Specialist
   Behind the scenes, the Data Entry Specialist ensures that all the museum’s records are up-to-date and accurate. From digitizing collections information to maintaining donor and membership databases, their work supports the museum’s administrative and operational needs.
   

6. Education Staff

   Education staff works with the Museum Director/Curator to plan public programs, school programs, tours for students and adults. The education staff also oversees our education collection, a collection made up of replicas or non-local historic items that the public and school children are invited to touch and use to further engage with history.

How Do They Manage It All?

With a small, part-time team, collaboration and flexibility are key. Each staff member takes on multiple responsibilities, often working across departments to meet the museum’s needs. For example:

• The Director/Curator might step in to support the Registration Staff during a large loan project or assist with Front Desk duties during a busy event.

• The Collections Staff and Registration Staff work closely together to ensure that artifacts are both preserved and properly documented.

• The Front Desk Staff often assists with education programs and community outreach, wearing many hats to engage visitors.

• The Data Entry Specialist’s meticulous work supports not only administrative tasks but also collections and registration needs, ensuring smooth operations across the board.

Why Does This Matter?

This small but mighty team is a testament to the power of passion and teamwork. Despite their part-time schedules, these dedicated individuals ensure that the West Chicago City Museum remains a vibrant and valuable resource for the community. Their work demonstrates that even with limited resources, it’s possible to achieve big things through collaboration and commitment.

Next time you visit the museum, take a moment to think about the many roles that come together to create the experience. From the artifacts on display to the programs that bring history to life, it’s all made possible by the hard work and dedication of this incredible team.

Thank you for joining us on this behind-the-scenes journey. Have questions about the museum or its operations? Drop them in the comments below!