Student, Intern and MoM Team Special Projects
Domi Pila –Origin Story and original work in story-form from an international 2025 internships with MoM. In her own words: Domi is an English graduate from the University of Cambridge interested in literary and visual storytelling within cultural heritage spaces, and more broadly. As a published poet and illustrator, she is especially fascinated by the difficulties of turning complex experiences into cohesive narratives, and enjoy exploring liminal spaces and characters in her work; she is also often drawn to mythical and religious representations of women, and themes surrounding mental health. Last year, she completed an internship at Ben Uri Gallery and Museum in London, where she developed my interest in the intersections of visual culture, history, place, and identity through supporting exhibitions and projects relating to Jewish, refugee, and immigrant artists in Britain. Personal highlights from this internship include assisting with the launch of a photography exhibition in partnership with the Centre for British Photography, and writing an article comparing the poetry practices of two artists for the museum’s online repository. In addition to this experience within a research unit and curatorial team, Domi’s curiosity surrounding the possibilities of interdisciplinary storytelling and research as a way of conveying experiences, histories, and omissions made her especially excited to work with MoM’s archives. The finished product is here and available onsite at MoM.
The Mother, The Vote, and The Costume by Aspen Culbertson internship 2025.
The nineteenth century was a tumultuous time in America. The Second Great Revival invigorated religion in the area while the abolitionist movement was in full force as the country was barreled toward the Civil War. Amidst these societal changes was the fight for women’s rights, including the right to vote. The American suffrage movement formally started in 1848 when the first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls. Concurrently, with the campaign for the right to vote, was the Dress Reform movement led by many of the same figures. My research posits that the Dress Reform movement and general fashion movements of the time were a blending of influences with the aim of creating a single identity for women. The American suffrage campaign was inextricably tied to motherhood. During that time period, motherhood influenced how people perceived women. It was used both as a reason for and against women’s suffrage. concepts of motherhood combined with what it means to be a woman were essential to the women’s rights movement. [LINK]
MoM’s Healing Garden: Welcome to our sanctuary within the museum walls we have designed a haven exclusively for the healing and empowerment of those who have experienced difficulty, trauma, and feelings of isolation. Step into a realm where past meets present and history meets healing. We share stories of vulnerability, loss, hardship, and hope. Compassion is the currency that binds us together.
At the MoM we acknowledge the sacredness of community and invite visitors to embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. Our exhibits are not mere artifacts; they are conduits for transformation. LINK
Spotify
Breastfeeding Contradictions: Art, Words, Theory, organized by Victoria Wright internship, Masters’ Project 2023
For those performing mothering duties, the crush of unrelenting surveillance by the public, the media, as well as family members, is often laden with judgment. Whether pumping, using a formula, or nursing in public or in private, these choices are up for commentary. During this project, I hope to explore aspects of motherhood focusing on how mothers decide to feed their children in their early years. May 2023. VIEW PDF
Big Human Family by Martha Joy Rose, Director MoM
When we chose to live authentically, when our community supports our truth, when people gather in respectful and supportive ways, magic happens. As part of one BIG HUMAN FAMILY, we realize our differences as well as our similarities. We all have an ever-evolving reproductive IDENTITY which exists in ourselves and is projected in our relationship with others. Speaking and writing our stories helps us see who we are in the world. From that space we are able to reflect, interpret, and change (if necessary), to become the most fully realized person at the center of our work and family experience. 2022. MORE
Pandemic Parenting Online Exhibit by Remote Associate Rachael Grad (Canada)
Pandemic Parenting by Rachael Grad – Parenting and Teaching during COVID 19 pandemic. Collaborating with other parent artists while also making art at home; they created on desks and also big art in public spaces. They drew strength both from alone time and from working with other parent artists. By capturing aspects of their own worlds, while quarantining at home with children and partners, these mothers have been able to express themselves during difficult circumstances. . August, 2022. MORE
Me, We, Women Online Exhibition Organized by international intern Yang Li
Starting with “ME” (the individual), and “WE” (the community), to “WOMEN” (the entire female as half the population), a sequential contemplation focusing on various perspectives and creativities from female artists worldwide is highlighted. Eleven female artists from different nations and cultural backgrounds bring us the reflection of how contemporary feminist art shapes life and art from diverse angles yet to reach a pluralistic interconnection. 2021 Yang Li. MORE
Anniversary of American Women’s Right to Vote Celebration at USF, Tampa
The University of Southern Florida (USF) Department of Women and Gender Studies presents The Founding Mothers: Women in Herstory in partnership with the Museum of Motherhood on campus in Tampa, Florida. Celebrating 100 years of women’s vote in America and features items and artifacts from the MOM collection. Curated by Martha Joy Rose. 2020-21. MORE