The Farm at Selu Museum Project was conducted  as an experiential learning project for the Spring 2001 Applied Anthropology class.  The class took on the role of an anthro-planning consulting team charged with investigating possibilities for a farming-based living history museum at RU's Selu Conservancy.  The project started with orientation and research stages, which included field trips to the Frontier Culture Museum and Historic Crab Orchard Museum to study the organization and design of living history museums.  The team then broke into research groups to study the following topics: 

• The reconstructed farmhouse building as the main museum building:  Including recommendations for the organization of space and exhibits within the museum building & at the outbuildings; ideas for exhibits & interpretive activities; staffing needs. 
   

• Layout and plan for the museum site:  Including layout of the museum site; outdoor exhibits & structures; trails and benches; self-guided tour; interpretive signage; parking.

• Museum facilities inside the museum & outside on the museum site:  Including ADA accessibility; restrooms, drinking fountains, and other conveniences that visitors require; collection storage facilities; site maintenance & security.

• The museum audience and educational activities:  Including identification of "user groups" & "support groups" and planning with & for those groups; recommendations for museum educational activities on site & museum outreach activities.

   The anthropology team prepared a consulting report detailing their recommendations for the museum.  They presented the report to the RU Foundation's Selu Advisory Committee and the Appalachian Regional Studies Program in April 2001.  The applied anthropology team was assisted by a geology team that prepared maps showing the planning ideas for the The Farm at Selu. 

     Click here to see the Farm at Selu Overview Map (it may take a few moments to download).

Click here to learn more about the Selu Conservancy and its facilities.


Photos:
The farmhouse at Selu, which is no longer standing. Photo courtesy of Mr. Ray Dickerson.
The applied anthropology research team (left to right): Anna Marie Meador, Adam Sowder, Malinda Flanigan, Billy Howard, Sam Deel, Allison Smith, and James Bielo.  Not pictured: Mary LaLone & Ricky Cox. 
  

Museum Project Co-Directors: 
Professors Mary LaLone & Ricky Cox, Radford University

Applied Anthropology Student Research Team:
James Bielo, Bethany Blackwell, Sam Deel, Malinda Flanigan, Billy Howard, Anna Marie Meador, Allison Smith, & Adam Sowder

Geology Mapping Project Director: 
Professor Kim Knight, Radford University

Geology Student Research Team:
Julie Gilfus  & Ron Matney
 

Author: Mary B. LaLone, mlalone@radford.edu 
Radford University
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