It is a children’s book that has resonated most with me during my career. Oh the Places You’ll Go is one of Dr Seuss’s lesser known stories and the last one he wrote.
It has been a popular graduation gift in America and, while I work towards my Associateship of Museums Association, I can understand why from quotes such as this: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
Part of my professional development has been recognising myself as an individual within the sector with my own choices to make.
Seuss’s rhetoric tells an honest and inspiring story of human experience that people can relate to and find comfort in. Like many in museums, I have encountered organisational change and this book has helped me see the wood from the trees.
The resolve of the story is that it’s individual courage that gives us resilience for the future.
But what I love most is what it (and other Seuss stories) teaches about style and content, and how that translates to museum practice – your story should be fun and never condescending.
Like Seuss, museums need to be accessible, embrace learning, and value the intellect and interest of all of our visitors.
Rachel Macfarlane is the projects development officer for Colchester and Ipswich Museums
It has been a popular graduation gift in America and, while I work towards my Associateship of Museums Association, I can understand why from quotes such as this: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
Part of my professional development has been recognising myself as an individual within the sector with my own choices to make.
Seuss’s rhetoric tells an honest and inspiring story of human experience that people can relate to and find comfort in. Like many in museums, I have encountered organisational change and this book has helped me see the wood from the trees.
The resolve of the story is that it’s individual courage that gives us resilience for the future.
But what I love most is what it (and other Seuss stories) teaches about style and content, and how that translates to museum practice – your story should be fun and never condescending.
Like Seuss, museums need to be accessible, embrace learning, and value the intellect and interest of all of our visitors.
Rachel Macfarlane is the projects development officer for Colchester and Ipswich Museums
