Marilyn Pace ’24 is utilizing what she learned in her art history courses to transform her career.
Marilyn Pace ’24, an alumna of AddRan College of Liberal Arts, is utilizing what she learned in her art history courses to transform her career. Currently interning at the National Juneteenth Museum, she’s set to continue her academic studies at Pratt Institute, where she’ll pursue a dual master’s program in the History of Art and Design and Library and Information Science.
As a double major in history and anthropology with a minor in art history, Pace’s time in the School of Art greatly impacted her decision to pursue a career in the museum field.
“For as long as I knew what a career was, I wanted to work with museums or historical institutions in some form,” said Pace. “It was my art history courses in the College of Fine Art that allowed me to understand the continual power and impact of the museum on an international scale.”
Tracing History Through Artifacts
Pace’s passion for art history was sparked in high school during a pivotal research competition facilitated by the New York State Archives.
Her project traced the journey of Egyptian antiquities in New York City, from their arrival in private collections to their eventual placement in museums. During this time, she collaborated closely with librarians and historians at major institutions in the area.
“At the New York Historical Society, I was granted access to a guestbook from the first Egyptian art exhibition in New York City in 1853 that featured a signature by frequent visitor and poet Walt Whitman,” explained Pace. “I can honestly say that I will never forget the feeling of tracing my fingertips over his signature in that archive.”
This experience revealed to Pace the deep connection between artifacts and history, as well as the vital role museums play in preserving and shaping culture.
“After that experience, I knew I was meant to work with cultural and historical objects in my professional career.”
Building on TCU Lessons
During her time at TCU, Pace took Art History courses such as Professor Shelley Matthew’s “Nazism, Art, and Looting” and Associate Professor Jamin An’s “Museums and Curatorial Studies.”
“Matthew’s class demonstrated the resilience, leverage and influence of art and museums in the face of global war and indiscriminate cultural destruction,” said Pace. “Similarly, An’s course illustrates how museums have been intrinsically linked to political, social and environmental issues since their earliest conception.”
These courses reinforced Pace’s belief in museums as crucial stewards of cultural understanding and societal influence, fueling her desire to make a meaningful contribution to the field.
The National Juneteenth Museum, located in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside District—a once-thriving area now among the nation’s most underserved, has a mission to revitalize the neighborhood by addressing gaps in history, education and professional development. Through this internship, Pace has gained valuable insights into how museums can foster community engagement, create learning opportunities and drive economic growth.
“This is the most inspiring project I have ever been a part of,” said Pace. “The creation of a cohesive institution like a museum not only validates but also fosters interest in a specific culture, cause or event. It highlights the importance of this area of history, and I have absolutely witnessed an increased curiosity in Juneteenth due to the impressive efforts of its staff.”
Pace will begin her graduate studies this fall in New York City, where she will engage with local art institutions and museums. She plans to leverage her experience from the bustling Dallas-Fort Worth art scene to tackle broader challenges within the NYC art community.
“My undergraduate studies in history, anthropology and art history at TCU provided me with a comprehensive understanding of societal and cultural dynamics, and how they intersect with art. I’m excited to take those lessons with me to Pratt.”