Exhibition Curation

Scrap Yard: Innovators of Recycling

Jewish Museum of Maryland

Goal | Cultivate understanding of the historical, social, environmental, and economic importance of renewing waste materials.

This groundbreaking national traveling exhibition explores the people and technology that have been at the center of scrap recycling in American over more than two centuries. Through historical artifacts, scientific interactives, and a variety of media, this exhibition tells the story of generations of American immigrants who found prosperity by transforming other people's 'garbage' into a valuable commodity. With assistance from the lead sponsor, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and nearly 30 other donors, this project drew on resources and insights from companies and individuals involved in the scrap industry across the United States. 

I developed the original conceptual framework for an exhibition and educational programs, curated the gallery exhibition, collected oral histories and video interviews from past and present scrap recyclers, and produced many of the media elements. This 2,000 square-foot exhibition, which includes over 300 objects and media pieces, debuted at the Jewish Museum of Maryland, October 2019 - April 2020.

Hear my interview about this exhibition on Baltimore's NPR Station, WYPR.

Learn more on the Jewish Museum of Maryland's project website.