Project Title: Ho-Chunk Nation Traveling Exhibit Content Creation
Background: The Village of Waunakee and Ho-Chunk Nation will collaborate with University of Wisconsin–Madison historians and students to create a traveling exhibit featuring aspects of Ho-Chunk history and current day in the local area. The project team will devise conceptual themes, and UW students will conduct research, provided a process for loaning the artifacts, and offer rough design work and recommendations for the exhibits. The exhibit will feature appropriate replica artifacts, narrative text, and visual storytelling aspects that relate to the chosen theme and final exhibit pieces will be professionally produced. Once completed, the exhibit will be displayed at the Waunakee Public Library for several months before the exhibit will travel to other locations in Dane County as appropriate given available spaces and subject matter. At the conclusion of the traveling exhibit, all aspects of the project will be donated to the Ho-Chunk Nation for their use as a traveling exhibit in any manner they see fit.
About UniverCity Alliance: UniverCity Alliance is a coalition of faculty, staff, and students across UW–Madison to ensure the university is responsive to the needs of local governments. UniverCity brings UW–Madison and Wisconsin communities together to address local challenges through engagement, university research, and state-of-the-art problem-solving approaches. Launched with the Wisconsin Idea in mind, this program bridges university resources with community knowledge to improve sustainability, resilience, livability, and the general well-being of Wisconsin communities.
Responsibilities:
- Work with Ho-Chunk Nation Museum Director, Josie Lee, to create content that will be showcased in the exhibit
- Write and edit content for the exhibit based on the direct input of Ho-Chunk Nation stakeholders
- Work alongside Village of Waunakee staff to understand the needs and constraints of local communities looking to host exhibits
Minimum Qualifications:
- At least junior standing
- Strong writing skills
- Demonstrated ability to work in teams and on collaborative efforts
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning
- Excellent research and writing skills
- Knowledge of Ho-Chunk culture
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with creating museum content
- Experience working with off-campus clients from a past class-based or employment-based experience
- Graphic design skills
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and community leaders.
- Interest in local government
Compensation: Students will receive a $2000 stipend/scholarship at the conclusion of the project
Commitment: Hours are flexible, and work can be done remotely. We anticipate that this experience will take 5 – 10 hours per week and could be done over the semester and into the summer.
To Apply: Submit a resume and a cover letter explaining related experience doing policy research and why your experience makes you the best fit for this opportunity to Gavin Luter,
Questions: If a student has questions about the role, please direct them to Gavin Luter, luter@wisc.edu.
Priority Deadline: Applications received by March 25 will be given priority, though students can still submit after this deadline.