WKU graduate student selected for prestigious Smithsonian internship

David Kerr of Bowling Green, a graduate student in history at WKU, is participating in the Smithsonian Affiliations Intern Partnership Program during the summer of 2010.

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell met with WKU student David Kerr in his office in the U.S. Capitol on July 28. Kerr, of Bowling Green, is an intern for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. Upon returning to Kentucky, Kerr will put his skills to work at the Frazier International History Museum in Louisville, where he will assist with traveling exhibits and help create a history exhibit that will highlight Kentucky Civil War history.

The award is made possible by Smithsonian Affiliations and the Frazier International History Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate in Louisville.

Kerr is based at Smithsonian Affiliations in Washington, D.C., conducting independent research on Smithsonian artifacts related to Kentucky and the Civil War.  His work is in conjunction with the Frazier Museum’s upcoming exhibit, My Brother, My Enemy.  Kerr’s internship provides him access to collections across the Smithsonian.  Additionally, he will have the opportunity to experience preparing exhibitions for travel alongside Smithsonian experts at the Office of Exhibits Central and the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service.

“David is an inquisitive and talented student and this is a great opportunity for him to gain valuable experience in the field as he handles artifacts, works with archival sources, and interprets Civil War history for the public,” said Dr. Eric Reed, associate professor of History and graduate advisor to Kerr.

Kerr’s internship began June 1 and will continue through Aug. 6.

Founded in 2001, the Smithsonian Affiliations Intern Partnership Program provides students in Affiliates’ communities with the opportunity to gain practical skills and experience in the museum field.  The initiative is offered by Smithsonian Affiliations and recipients are selected on a competitive basis.

Contact: Sally Ray, (270) 745-2283.