Emily McCusker
Class Year:
2022
Job Title:
Director of Youth and Family Education at the McLean County Museum of History
Hometown:
Huntley, IL
Why did you decide to major in History at Lake Forest College?
I knew I wanted to be a history major from the beginning of my time at Lake Forest. In middle school I started getting questions about college, and I was already telling people I wanted to work in museums. I grew up taking road trips to see different museums and historical sites with my family and it just stuck with me.
Is there a specific memory that sticks out to you from your time as a history student?
I really loved my group from Museums and Exhibitions (HIST 368). We created an exhibit as a class, and my group members and I got along really well. I still talk to them sometimes, and I just remember how much fun I had putting the whole project together with them. I also love the memory of traveling to and from my Chicago History Museum internship because I'm still friends with the person who went back and forth with me, and that's when we really got to know each other.
What’s something you think students considering majoring in History should know?
I had quite a few people tell me there's nothing to do with a background in history but that isn't true. There are plenty of directions you can go with a history degree, especially using skills like writing and critical thinking. Also, if there's a job or field you want to know more about, reach out to somebody with firsthand experience and ask them about it. As helpful as resources from LFC can be, it's impossible for them to cover everything. Take the initiative to learn more about what interests you.
Why is history important today?
Studying history is the best way for us to recognize, learn from, and fix our mistakes. It helps us understand why the world is the way it is, and gives us context for what's happening in the present. For me, understanding the larger scope of history gives me a clearer picture of the world around me.
What are you up to now?
After graduation, I moved to Bloomington to become the Director of Youth and Family Education at the McLean County Museum of History. I also joined the board of Project XV Museum, a voting rights museum opening in El Paso, Illinois in 2024 (if all goes according to plan).
How did your history training help you in your career after graduation?
The experience I got through Lake Forest's history department has been really important in starting up my career. Before graduating, I had internships at both the Chicago History Museum and the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, and had created a museum exhibit with one of my classes Senior year. This caught the eye of interviewers, but it also made me feel more confident in my ability to start a career.