The Haines Sheldon Museum has hired new curator Cordelia Nelson.
The museum has been without a curator for two years during the pandemic. “We are thrilled to welcome Nelson to the role after such a long absence,” said Jessie McLaughlin, operations and education coordinator.
“I’m very excited to be here, it’s going really well. I just love the town, it’s so beautiful. Everyone I’ve met has been just lovely,” said Nelson, who said she chose Haines over other opportunities, including the High Desert Museum in Oregon and the Bodwin University Museum in Maine, because of the town’s unique amenities.
After graduating from Biola University this year with a Bachelor of Archeology, Nelson said she was excited to apply for the curator role here in Haines. She said she enjoys the small-town feel of Haines and its many outdoor opportunities.
“I love the ocean and the forests all around. I had been doing museum work for several years, but had been hoping to land a curator position after having graduated from college last month. I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be,” said Nelson.
Nelson, who started the job in November, has a background working with museums including the Crater Rock Museum in Central Point, Oregon and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland. Nelson also worked with Biola University’s archeological program, where she learned to read Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Nelson’s wealth of experience is already shaping the Haines Sheldon Museum. “I’m hoping that I can help to improve the museum over the next few years so it aligns with both the American Association of Museums’ standards and with modern museum professional standards,” said Nelson.
“That the museum was already accredited was a big deal to me and part of the reason I applied,” said Nelson, who is already re-applying for another ten year accreditation.
She said the process involves a detailed study of what’s in the collections, the museum’s contribution to the community and several other elements. The board reviews the application and follows up with in-person peer review of the museum to decide if it will get accredited for another 10 years. “It’s a big project,” said Nelson.
Nelson is currently making sure that all of the collections are complete, and that everything that needs updating is prioritized. “Tracking and properly storing all items is part of keeping up to code with standards,” said Nelson, “I’m basically making sure any items that have been forgotten in a closet full of stuff are accounted for.”
For those looking to get involved, “the museum is always looking for volunteers,” said Nelson. The Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center relies on volunteers to operate.
“I’m really thankful for the dedication of our local volunteers who help keep the museum’s mission alive. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in town who comes out to see us,” said Nelson.