I started hanging around the Museum of Education about 15 years ago. I originally found my way into the museum because it was a quiet, comfortable, interesting place to spend time, and it was one floor below where I was working as a graduate assistant. I was new to South Carolina and the University and it was easy to assume that the thoughtful and challenging exhibits were representative of the entire campus. After more than 12 years of collaborating with Craig Kridel, former (and retired) director and curator of the museum, I have grown to appreciate how unique this space is.
For most of those twelve years, Craig and I collaborated on a short documentary film that would describe one of the on-going “exhibitions” or intentional spaces of the museum. The process of making the film was also unique in that we spent time each year reaching out to students, faculty, staff, activists, historians, and civil rights leaders; and by reaching out and interviewing these individuals for the film, we simultaneously engaged in the intended use of the space.
The collaboration was very rewarding in that we established a rhythm where we could listen to the interviews, listen to each other, and then make creative decisions together based on listening and trusting the wisdom each of us brought to the project. I watch it now, and think that it moves a bit slowly, but I know that this is more of an essay / video / meditation — something informative, experiential, and experimental. You can learn more about the “The Travelstead Room” here and watch the short as well.