Eli Whitney Museum

American Flyer Research Questions
1. Did A.C. Gilbert invent American Flyer Trains?
2. How many years did the A.C. Gilbert Company produce American Flyer trains?
3. So how old are the trains we are running?
4. Why does the Museum collect A.C.Gilbert toys? [Opinion Question]
5. Would you like to work on the trains?

Let us know the 4 best projects we can offer for walk-ins.

And, in a sentence for each, why are these good projects to offer?

Say 9 year olds. Boys or girls.

If you haven't done walk-ins yet, think of the projects you have seen or have done yourself.

Extra points, if you suggest a project we don't usually offer.

Suppose you were sent with a group of Apprentices to visit an Art Exhibition in the Barn. Suppose there were bowls of M&Ms and plates of cookies. Suppose two or three in your group went crazy and grabbed handfuls.

Questions
1. Everyone would know better than that. But if no one spoke up, does that meant there were no Black shirts along?
2. Which is more important: a little selfish behavior (grabbing candy)? Or that no one felt empowered to speak?
3. Which is more difficult: the awkwardness of having to question? Or the agony of facing Bill and Sally after the artists from the Barn called to complain?
4. What can we do to make everyone feel empowered to challenge selfish behavior?

There's a way to notice if a Grey Tub of projects is ready to go to the Wall outside the kitchen or to the Shed.

What might tell you where it belongs?

If the pink slip is on the side of the bin, it stays. If it is on the narrow side, it goes to the Shed.

This weekend's shifts will include applicants who want to be considered for the apprentice program. Each applicant gets two trial shifts and an invitation to the creative challenge: Nov 8, 3-5.

We expect to meet nearly 30 applicant this Fall and another 25 in the Spring.
It's likely that we will accept only 15 of them. We want to be welcoming and fair to everybody.
We want to find strong potential artisans and leaders. That's selective.

Everyone should be prepared to...

• welcome them, introduce yourself.
• anticipate common questions, where do I put my phone? what next?
• guide them to the person best able to answer questions (if that's not you)
• help them avoid embarrassing moments( goggles up, sitting on tables, hands in pockets)
• get to know them. Ask about the skills interests that attract them to the Museum.
• remember this is not a popularity contest; we need skills and leadership

A mentor should....

We will assign one apprentice to be a "buddy" for each new person.

• get them a tee shirt (loan only)
• show them where to sign in; or leave a note (full name) for Dana
• show them where to put their coat/phone/lunch.
• introduce them to others. Make them feel comfortable.
• be open when you are uncertain; go to a senior apprentice for guidance.
• steer them away from premature assignments.
• remind them to sign out, return tee shirt.
• convey your assessment of how the day went to Bill. Don't judge, describe.

Senior Apprentices should...

• assign (and monitor) an appropriate mentor.
• transfer supervision if shifts don't match.
• check in occasionally, encourage questions.
• remind the candidate to follow up with an email and schedule a second shift.
• fill out a descriptive report which should be left on Dana's desk.

Can you become an apprentice if you have not taken classes at the Museum?

Sure. But about 2/3 of the Apprentices did take some classes here. It is likely that applicants who know the Museum's staff and culture establish themselves more quickly in the trial period and thus advance. It's also true that the pool of people who express interest in the program is made up largely of former Museum students.

1. All applicants should request an application form by e-mailing the manager at manager@eliwhitney.org.

2. Applicants and a parent must attend an information session.

3. Dana will schedule two trial days that will allow us to get to know applicants and them to understand better if the work interests them.

4. The Fall 2014 Session is scheduled for September 14, at 3:30 in the Carter Studio.

The Apprentice program is open to all applicants age 13 and above whose parents consent to their participating in a learning program that involves using tools.

The Museum is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The Museum does not discriminate on the basis of race, race, color, gender, or religion.

The Apprentice program is limited in the number of candidates it can engage. Fewer than half of the people who express an interest in the program will become enrolled participants. We don't reject applicants. We do make guesses as to which applicants will a) match our skill needs, b) add to the range and character of the programs we offer through creativity and technical finesse, and c) invigorate our programs with drive and leadership.

When you recommend a friend, we will assume that you have considered how much energy and commitment are required. Be careful not to imply that we are looking for people. That creates expectations that may be disappointed. Help them understand that they must work to show their skills and enthusiasm in a relatively short trial period.