Cheryl Nairn

Questions & Answers by Cheryl Nairn

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in archaeology?

I have always had a strong love for both history and science. In history, I love learning about stories of people in the past; and in science, I love the structure and rules. A timely conversation with my mom in high school about what I might study in university ended with a suggestion to pursue archaeology. A family friend had recently gone to school for archaeology and this field seemed to merge my two interests together. My love for archaeology really solidified through my time at BU, and I found myself taking a broad range of courses to get exposure to as much of the field as possible.

2. Is there a piece of advice or conversation you’ve had with a professor that has stuck with you throughout your career?

This wasn’t a conversation or advice, per se, but is a fond memory. I believe it was Professor Elia, who had (and likely still does have) an immense disdain for museum collections! I have read the Medici Conspiracy (a book assigned in his class) countless times over the years. It dives into the illicit trade of artifacts and the culpability of museums in perpetuating this trade. I remember after applying to start my Master’s in Museums Studies feeling slightly traitorous! These thoughts have stuck with me throughout my museum career, and given me an extra drive to ensure provenance information is available and accurate for incoming collections I am responsible for.

3. Looking back, how has your perspective on archaeology evolved from when you first started studying it to where you are now?

Now that I am working in the museum field, I see the aftermath of archeological excavations – stacks and stacks of sherd boxes on pallet after pallet tucked neatly into offsite storage. The reality of the immense quantity of archaeological material stored in warehouses has really underscored my thoughts that there is so much existing research material that needs to be studied. There are countless stories trapped in these collections that need to be researched and told. This is especially important for collections from sites that no longer exist due to political or climate changes in the area. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of assisting students and researchers in their work with these collections, many times uncovering fantastic new theories that re-write or add significantly to academia.

4. What motivated your decision to leave the field?

During my field school in Menorca, we had the opportunity to create a museum exhibit to supplement our excavations. During this process, I discovered a love of the personal stories that artefacts could tell. This led me to pursue a Masters in Museum Studies. I then worked as a Collections Manager for the Royal Ontario Museum, in Toronto, Ontario, caring for the Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern Collections for several years. Although this work wasn’t directly archaeology, it involved two collections that were developed mostly from archaeological contexts. Through this work, I developed a deep understanding of digitization and databases in the field of museums. My current work focuses on this aspect of museums, though I am now working with art collections. I would love to return closer to the field of archaeology in the future – if the stars align!

5. How your archaeological background has shaped your current work.

My archaeology background was a key foundation for my early career in the museum field. It gave me the knowledge necessary to work with a museum collection that was predominantly archaeological. It still helps frame my thinking around objects and their place in history. While the objects themselves are a great jumping-off point for telling the stories of people, their position and placement in history adds important and necessary context to their understanding.

6. Any reflections or advice for students exploring paths outside academia or archaeology?

My path from archaeology felt, and still feels, quite natural. My degree set a foundation onto which I was able to start my career. From here, learning on the job and the specific skills acquired from the work I was doing led me down a not-so-different path into museums and now into art. I think there are many aspects to the field of archaeology that are transferable. It is important to figure out what aspects you truly enjoy and then really explore what careers align with them. I don’t believe careers need to be static and I think there is fun and excitement in shaping your future as you learn about different aspects of jobs. Additionally, there are also many archaeological collections stored within museums and cultural institutions that require someone with a strong archaeological background to oversee. Museums are a great space for archaeologists, and more archaeologists are needed in museums!