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ABOUT

Sarah Whaley (she/they)

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MISSION

I design and implement engaging exhibits, programs, and collaborative opportunities for communities to connect with collections in new and stimulating ways that create lasting relationships between cultural institutions and audiences.

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VISION

I will be a changemaker through facilitating transformative community conversations and collaborations around collections. In doing so, I will empower people to better understand themselves, one another, and our shared world, and to imagine and create equitable futures for all.

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VALUES
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Authenticity

When we bring our whole selves to our spaces, we allow wholehearted engagement.

I commit to bringing my whole self to my spaces, and to creating encouraging, brave spaces where others may do the same.

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Inclusivity 

Diverse ideas, perspectives, and experiences are what make our world exciting.

I commit to eliminating barriers to access, success, and joy for those who have been marginalized and to making room for everyone at the table.​

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Collaboration

We are social beings and what we dream and create together will always be greater than what we dream and create alone. I commit to the time and dialogue necessary to build and maintain respectful, reciprocal partnerships.​

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Creativity

Limitations met with imagination and innovation become possibilities. I commit to boldly meeting challenges with flexibility, ingenuity, and perseverance.​

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Sustainability

We are stewards of one another, our resources, and our world. I commit to mindful and intentional relationships with others, resources, and the environment that promote balance and longevity.​

Education

2020-2022

Indiana University, Indianapolis (IUPUI)

2012-2016

Indiana University, Bloomington

Spring 2015

University of

Adelaide, Australia

M.A. in Museum Studies

Awarded IUPUI Premier 10 & Greek Goddess Scholarship 

Courses: Collections, archives, exhibits, education, interpretation, administration

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B.A. in Journalism with Highest Distinction

Awarded Cox Research Scholarship

Specialization in Journalism Design & Graphics

Additional Major: Cognitive Science, Minor: Psychology

Exchange Semester Abroad

Courses: Indigenous people, country, and protocols; anthropology; digital storytelling; linguistics

Experience
Highlights

Aug 2021 - Present

Center for Ray Bradbury Studies,

Indianapolis

Feb 2021 - Present

FBI Art Crime Team,

Indianapolis

April 2021 - Aug 2021

Center for Rural Engagement

(Beck's Mill Ghost Lab),

Salem, IN 

Coordinator of Preservation, Exhibits, and Archives
  • Assess & address preservation needs of collections

  • Design & implement exhibits, tours & programs

  • Contribute to strategic planning & rebranding

Collections Team Member
  • Conduct provenance research for repatriation

  • Handle, label & rehouse sensitive collections

  • Monitor environment for hazards

Site Interpretation Team Member
  • Participated in community stakeholder dialogue

  • Developed surveys, compiled & visualized data

  • Provided recommendations for sustainable practices

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