Each year, Beloit College strengthens our partnership with the Beloit Historical Society (BHS) by securing museum internships for students. This year Fiona Cismesia ’21 is one of those interns. Even though she started her work remotely, Fiona has worked diligently to document the history of women in Beloit. She gained her experience through the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges & Universities (WAICU) nonprofit internship program.

Fiona frames her experience in a unique way. “I have been working to create an online exhibit which highlights women’s experiences in Beloit one hundred years ago. I chose this theme in particular to help celebrate the centennial of the 19th amendment. Working under the guidance and support of the BHS I have been able to solidify my interest in museum work and the nonprofit sector.” Internships like Fiona’s provide students with the opportunity to explore their career paths by experiencing the day-to-day work firsthand.

Nicolette Meister, who serves as the James E. Lockwood Jr. Director, Logan Museum of Anthropology, has fostered the relationship with the Beloit Historical Society for many years. She writes, “Through ongoing collaboration with the Beloit Historical Society, Beloit College students are exposed to historical collections and the challenges and opportunities small local history museums face.”  Meister has served on the board of the Beloit Historical Society since 2015 and in this role annually places interns at BHS. She also serves as the Faculty Director for Beloit College’s Center for Collections Care, a leading summer professional development program for museum professionals.

This relationship has benefitted Beloit graduates who pursue museum studies, post-graduation. According to Meister, two Beloit College graduates have held collections management and program coordinator positions at BHS.