Escape from Dodge.

Last Monday and Tuesday were spent in Austin with Alli, accompanying her on a trip to job shadow at the Texas Historical Commission. It was interesting enough just to hear her describe the things she was allowed to do while there - attending meetings, examining spreadsheets, hearing about how they handle emergencies at the sites that they manage. (If you want to get an idea of what all they do, visit www.thc.state.tx.us/.)

But then on Tuesday, after having to check out of the motel by noon, I decided to go visit the Texas State History Museum. I had always heard that it was an amazing place, but was made even more curious by the fact that my boss at Bayou Bend was very heavily involved with its creation...as in Project Manager involved. So, off I went, and I must say that from the minute you walk into the lobby with its circular floor mural and three tiers of balconies, until you walk out a good 3 hours plus later (not including going to the movie), it is one of the most user-friendly, hands-on, object-based learning experiences I've had in quite a while. Definitely worth the trip, and worth making a day of visiting. Having worked now for over two years in a museum setting, I noticed details that would never have struck me before, but those were just icing on the cake, and great examples of how things look when they are done well.

www.thestoryoftexas.com