The Western Illinois Museum is pleased to announce its 2024 Summer Youth Program staff, marking the fourth year of this innovative initiative. Funded by the Illinois Arts Council, this program offers local youth a paid employment opportunity to gain professional experience in public history and cultural preservation.
This summer, four exceptional students from Macomb High School are stepping into the roles of junior historians and digital storytellers. Tasked with collecting oral histories from the community, these young adults are transforming their findings into engaging podcasts, curating historical narratives that will become an integral part of the Museum’s collection.
Meet Our Inspiring Summer Staff:
Tea Baramidze is an active participant in Macomb High School’s theater and music programs. With a passion for art and a knack for debating, Tea excels at crafting insightful interview questions. Her eagerness to learn about others is matched by her hope that her work will strengthen community bonds.
Celena Mangalaraj is utilizing her summer at the Museum to uncover and develop stories rich in historical and cultural complexity. Outside of her work, she enjoys photographing the sky and immersing herself in a wide range of media, from comics to contemporary novels.
Noah Hundley is an inspiring philosopher and artist, known for their love of cartoons and their commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community. A leader at Macomb High School’s Poetry Club, Noah excels in fostering a creative and inclusive environment. As a disabled individual, they share their experiences to humanize and enrich their communities. This summer marks Noah’s third year participating in the Summer Youth Program, where their contributions continue to inspire and uplift their peers.
Patrick Taylor is excited to explore his creative side by producing podcasts that highlight the stories of the Macomb community. In his free time, Patrick indulges in a variety of interests, including computer tinkering, swimming, leading as a drum major in the school band, writing poetry, and listening to music.
These dedicated students are working an average of 8 hours per week, gaining invaluable experience and earning an hourly wage.
Expanding Horizons:
The Illinois Arts Council is expanding its support, offering year-round funding for student positions. This allows the Western Illinois Museum to continue benefiting from the fresh perspectives and unique contributions of area youth, ensuring that local history is collected and preserved for future generations.
The Western Illinois Museum is proud to foster the next generation of historians and cultural stewards, and we look forward to the innovative stories our summer staff will share with the public. Visit us to experience history through the eyes of our talented youth and discover the rich heritage of our community.