Meet the Board: Matt Seaman

I work at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum as their Collections & Exhibitions Coordinator.  My position is a bit of a catchall.  I manage our off-site storage space.  The space houses everything from vehicles and drum kits, to stage props and recording counsels.  I schedule all exhibit related activities, from major de-installations to one-off artifact swaps.  I assist in artifact photography, storage, packing, shipping, condition reporting, accessioning, storage, etc.  That’s just three of the many things I do.  It’s an interesting job because I have my hand in everything from artifact processing to exhibit planning and installation.  

What is your earliest museum memory? 

Walking past a 12-foot sculpture named Pegasus at the Cultural Center for the Arts in Canton, Ohio with my mother.  She danced and taught at the Canton Ballet, which is connected to three other cultural intuitions by a 14,000 square foot enclosed courtyard.  The courtyard features Pegasus and a fountain at its center.  I must have been three or four.  We were walking to get a candy bar at a vending machine after one of her classes.  

What led you to go into the museum field?

That’s a tough question to answer.  I’ve always been involved in the arts in one form or another growing up.  I knew I didn’t want to teach at the high school or college level and I enjoyed my internship experiences.  

What is your workspace like?

Pretty standard I suppose – a cubicle with a computer.  There is no natural light and it’s quiet. 

What item in your office can you not live without?

My calendar.  With so many different projects going on, it’s my secretary.  

Describe your favorite work memory. What was your best day like?

I get so focused on the grind I’ve never really thought about my “favorite” work memory.  I know when I look back on this time in my career my favorite memories will involve being on the road with my co-workers.  Traveling down the road in a van bs’ing, laughing, and talking about life.  Experiencing new cities, handling iconic artifacts, and meeting new people – Nothing better.   

What does your dream museum look like?

A very well funded, beautiful space with strong leadership – a place that truly value’s the importance of artifacts.  My dream may seem simple, but how many museums actually meet all four criteria?  

What is the best advice you have ever received?

As is relates to work – YOU ARE NOT YOUR JOB.  A balanced life is a healthy life.  

What are you currently reading?

Managing Unmanaged Collections: A Practical Guide for Museums and The Rake, issue 46. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Nope, I think you’ve covered it!