Museums Spark Passion: Where Are They Now? | Sonya Harwood

“I have always loved museums and history, so when I was able to intern with University Museums, it felt like a dream come true,” says Sonya Harwood, former student intern with University Museums. Sonya goes on to say:

From getting a behind-the-scenes look when the Brunnier was renovated to curating my own exhibit at the Farm House Museum, to meeting the artists that were featured, every day was filled with something exciting. I still remember one day I was sitting on the floor in the back of the Brunnier museum doing condition reports of all the objects in the permanent collection. I was holding a funerary object from ancient Egypt, looking to make sure its condition had not changed since it was last recorded in the online system. At some point, it just completely struck me that I was holding something from ancient Egypt in my own two hands! I don't think I got much done that day as I was too busy just staring at the incredible piece of history in front of me. Since then, I have absolutely loved sharing my passion for history and museums with others, and I am thankful I still get to do that today due to the skills and experience I learned through my time with University Museums!

Sonya graduated from Iowa State University as a double major in Anthropology (B.S. ’20) and Religious Studies and a minor in Environmental Studies (B.S. ’20). She then went to The University of Alabama where she earned an M.A. in Religion in Culture (’22). 

Currently, Sonya is the Director of the Gorgas House Museum at The University of Alabama. “In so many ways, this historical home reminds me of my time working in the Farm House Museum, which brings me such joy,” says Sonya. “I get to oversee passionate student interns working hard to research and share what they learn, just as I did a few years ago. I am so incredibly grateful for the mentorship I received as an intern at ISU, and I hope to now pass that on to a new generation!”

Sonya continues:

Honestly, I thought about getting a master’s degree in museum studies or a museum studies certificate while doing my Masters in Religious Studies but when I looked into what the different programs taught, there wasn't anything that I hadn't already done as an intern at ISU. From collections work to planning my own exhibit to in-depth object research, and even art display and lighting, I already had experience in all those different categories. When I applied for my current job, they required three years of experience working in the field of museums. Since graduating from ISU, I haven't worked in a museum, but all those years of interning with University Museums were what the interview board was looking for. 

University Museums is honored to spark Sonya’s passion and is pleased to share her career update.

Photos by Rebecca Johnson, The University of Alabama Museums