Week 1

     Greetings, readers. I'm Trent Chamberlain, and this is my blog chronicling my Spring 2025 internship experience.  I'm thrilled to be working at the Military History Museum in Kissimmee. This week provided an initial immersion into the museum's operations and the scope of my internship project.  

I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Harrison Smith, the museum's Collections Manager. Mr. Smith generously took time off from his other job to provide me with a comprehensive orientation.  I was grateful that he took the time to make sure I was properly informed at the museum. We began with a tour of the museum, where Mr. Smith highlighted recent improvements he has spearheaded. Witnessing the transformation of the museum's public spaces firsthand was impressive.  

The museum's collection is extensive, spanning various eras of military history. I was particularly intrigued by the exhibit dedicated to the Civil War, showcasing an array of weaponry, uniforms, and personal artifacts from the period. The exhibit effectively conveyed the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides of the conflict and the profound impact the war had on the nation's trajectory. Additionally, the Vietnam exhibit was particularly impressive, featuring a map of Vietnam signed by Vietnam War veterans who visited the museum. The immersive displays and informative plaques brought history to life, offering a poignant reminder of the courage and resilience demonstrated by individuals during times of conflict. Venturing behind the scenes offered a fascinating glimpse into the museum's inner workings. The sheer volume of artifacts and exhibits in various stages of preparation was remarkable. Mr. Smith has been diligently working to organize the collections, a task that I’m sure will occupy much of his time.  

My primary focus this semester will be the research and development of an exhibit featuring a Navy sailor who served from 1949 to 1972, notably as a balloonist. This project deeply aligns with my personal interests, given my background as a Navy veteran and my academic pursuits in 20th-century American history. I am eager to leverage my existing knowledge and skills to create a compelling and informative exhibit. My initial tasks involve conducting thorough research on the veteran and meticulously cataloging the artifacts generously donated by their family. Familiarizing myself with the museum's cataloging software has been an integral part of this process.  

    Overall, it was an insightful and engaging first week. I am confident that this internship will provide invaluable experience in public history and further refine my research and exhibit development abilities. I am eager to contribute meaningfully to the Military History Museum and share the remarkable story of this Navy veteran with the public.