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Illinois Issues
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Month at a Museum: Contest Winner Finds Out What Institutional Life is Like

McGroarty says one of the most memorable events of the month was having breakfast with astronaut Jim Lovell, commander of the Apollo 13 mission.
WUIS/Illinois Issues

Most people who have had an enjoyable trip to a museum have likely wondered what it would be like to stay after it closed — getting the run of the place after everyone else has gone home. No waiting in line. No restrictions or velvet ropes to stand behind. 

Chicago resident Kate McGroarty got to do just that for an entire month, spanning from October to November, at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. She was the winner of the “Month at the Museum,” a promotion designed to show the public the multitude of exhibits and activities at the facility, including many new features built as part of an ongoing $205 million capital project. “Many people thought we were the museum from their high school trip 20 years ago,” says Rob Gallas, vice president of marketing for the museum. “The idea of this project is helping people discover not only different things about the museum, but the vastness of the museum.”

When the museum put out the call for someone to, as its website describes: “live and breathe science 24 [hours a day] 7 [days a week] for 30 days,” more than 1,500 people applied for the job. However, Gallas says a background in science was not a requirement. “I was hoping from someone who wasn’t trained in science because they were more like a typical guest at the museum.”

McGroarty, a graduate of Northwestern University, is trained in performing arts and education. The self-described “huge history nerd” appeared in her first professional theatrical production at age 11. 

Both Gallas and McGroarty agree that her performance background helped her prepare for an exciting but grueling experience. “Theater people know a thing or two about working very hard and working long hours,” McGroarty says. 

Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
Credit WUIS/Illinois Issues
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WUIS/Illinois Issues
Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

A big part of McGroarty’s assignment was to communicate her adventures to the public through various outlets on the Internet. She maintained a blog, as well as Facebook and Twitter accounts. She had private living quarters in the museum, along with an office, which the public could visit. McGroarty says the way girls who had been following her activities online reacted to meeting her was especially fulfilling. A lot of so-called ’tween girls connected with her passion for learning and her quirky personality, she says. “I am so different from a lot of the young women we see in the media right now.”

“She’s like a rock star,” Gallas says. “This is also happening to adults, getting excited to meet her.’

McGroarty says one of the most memorable events of the month was having breakfast with astronaut Jim Lovell, commander of the Apollo 13 mission. 

She adds that her background in education coupled with this experience have made her see how topics such as science can be taught through arts, communications and creative expression. 

“When I grew up, I assumed that science and arts have no connection,” McGroarty says. “Our world is becoming more integrated, and we have to approach learning in the same way.”

Illinois Issues, December 2010

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