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Art History and Museum Studies Program

Program Overview

Many people are familiar with world-renowned artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Rembrandt van Rijn, Salvador Dali, and Michelangelo, but few are aware of how their artwork can provide insights into history. The study of art history has had a profound impact on humans throughout history. It has allowed us to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures and societies that have existed throughout time. By studying the arts and artifacts of the past, we are able to gain insight into the beliefs, values, and social structures of ancient civilizations. 


This program explores the intertwined histories of colonization, the development of the western museum, nationalism, and geopolitics, using contemporary debates about decolonizing museums and repatriating and restituting problematic objects as a vehicle. One of the most pressing issue on the arts scene across the world today is the status of hundreds of thousands of artifacts stolen or otherwise illegally obtained from indigenous peoples across the world during the period of European colonization.


Art History and Museum Studies Program

The continued presence of these objects in museums in the United States and Europe despite requests for their return by their original owners signals a continuation of the founding imperialist mindset of the museum as an institution. Through the use of scholarly texts, film, websites, and social media, students will explore more on this topic. 


Eureka Alumni from this program have received admission offers to Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, Brown University, University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), University of Chicago, John Hopkins University (JHU), and other top US universities. Alumni from this program have gone off to pursue majors in Philosophy, History, Law, Economics, and Design. 


The research experience and skills students receive at the Eureka Program have helped students get accepted to prestigious programs such as the Stanford Summer Humanities Institute and the Yale Young Global Scholars. Students from this program have also had their works published in The Concord Review, which only accepts about 5% of essays received. Students from this program are also very engaged in their communities, sharing in volunteering activities and starting non-profit organizations to help the community. 


After learning about the refugee crisis in various parts of Europe, one student from Luxembourg organized a charity to send hygiene products, cooking kits, books, and other supplies. In addition, two siblings that attended this program run a non-profit organization to help young children learn about culture. 


The below sections will provide more insight into the students that have attended this program and share their experiences and successes.

Research Topic Samples

How Do Museums Impact Indigenous Health and Wellbeing?

Student D.* completed a research project in the Eureka Art History Program. Her research paper explores the negative impact museums have had on indigenous communities, as well as ways for museums to take part in the healing of native groups in the future. The dispersal of artifacts in museums is related to disrupted cultural heritage, which has had a negative effect on indigenous health. The paper examines a case of cultural repatriation for the Tlingit people of Southeast Alaska and suggests cultural repatriation, producing replicas, and forming long-term, collaborative partnerships with the communities as ways for museums to take part in the healing of indigenous communities. 

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College Admission Results

Attended Eureka

2019

High School Name

Kent School

Admission Offer Received

• Harvard University
• Princeton University
• Stanford University

Eureka Research Title

The Problem With 'Accurate' History: Complexity Within Sallust's Bellum Catilinae

Attended Eureka

2019 Summer

High School Name

Webb Schools Of California

Admission Offer Received

• Princeton University
• Stanford University
• Brown University
• Columbia University

Eureka Research Title

Research Topic - Undisclosed

Attended Eureka

2020 Summer

High School Name

Governor's Academy

Admission Offer Received

• Amherst College
• Swarthmore College
• Middlebury College
• Cornell University

Eureka Research Title

Girls Just Want To Have Fun: Baldung, Durer, And Their Witches.

Attended Eureka

2019

High School Name

Stuart Country Day School

Admission Offer Received

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Eureka Research Title

Sign Language Documentation: Why And How

Attended Eureka

2020

High School Name

Indian Springs School

Admission Offer Received

• (ED) Amherst College

Eureka Research Title

De Coniuratione Catilinae

Attended Eureka

2021 Summer

High School Name

Deerfield Academy

Admission Offer Received

• Yale University
• Brown University
• John Hopkins University (JHU)

Eureka Research Title

The Effect Of Intentions And Exposure On The Valuation Of Art

Attended Eureka

2019

High School Name

Boston University Academy

Admission Offer Received

• Stanford University
• Brown University

Eureka Research Title

Misleading Arguments: Contradictions In Socrates' Apology And Phaedo

Attended Eureka

2020

High School Name

St. Paul's School

Admission Offer Received

• (REA) Yale University

Eureka Research Title

Investigating The Impact Of Museums On Indigenous Health And Wellbeing

Attended Eureka

2020

High School Name

St. Stephen's Episcopal School

Admission Offer Received

• (REA) Stanford University
• Washington University in St. Louis

Eureka Research Title

The Parallelisms And Differences Between The Government-Subject Relationship

Attended Eureka

2019

High School Name

Hill School

Admission Offer Received

• Stanford University

Eureka Research Title

A Multidimensional Analysis Of The Character Of Catline As Described By Sallust

Student Experiences

Eureka Student Research: The Possible 50ft Columns of the Pantheon Lost in Transit
Eureka Student Research: The Effect of Purchase Intentions and Mere Exposure on the Valuation of Art
Eureka Student Research: Design and Design Thinking - Fashion Portfolio

Community Activities

Vitamuse

A Eureka Student's blog about her research experience attracted many readers who shared their own experiences in the comments section of her blog. She transformed the blog into a forum named Vitamuse, which offered innovative forms of museum presentations, including video, audio, virtual stories, and hand-painted brochures for self-designed urban archaeological walking routes. The forum collaborated with 17 schools to organize museum photography competitions, tours, and activities, and established partnerships with museums to offer members perks like discounted admission, chats with curators, and access to storage rooms. The community grew to over 2,500 museum lovers in just over a year, comprising all ages and professions, from kindergarten children to 80-year-old nannies, IT workers, and foreigners residing in Shanghai.

Source:

Shanghai Museum of Art

A Eureka alumni was awarded an internship at the Public Education Department of the prestigious Shanghai Museum of Art. During her time there, she was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the museum's official social media accounts, an essential aspect of modern-day marketing and promotion. Over the course of her internship, she composed 13 engaging articles that captivated the museum's audience and garnered over 13,000 views. Her contributions helped raise the profile of the museum and highlighted its collections to a broader audience, contributing to the overall mission of the museum and increasing awareness of Chinese art and culture. The opportunity to intern at such an esteemed institution provided the alumni with a valuable experience that will benefit her career and personal growth.

The Concord Review

The Concord Review is a distinguished academic journal that publishes exceptional research papers written by high school students from all over the world. The journal provides a global platform for high school students to showcase their research and writing skills and aims to promote the development of critical thinking and writing abilities among high school students. The Concord Review has gained immense recognition as a prestigious academic journal and has been commended by educators, scholars, and policymakers for its significant contribution to high school education. The journal is very selective, accepting around 5% of works received. Several Eureka students have submitted their work to The Concord Review and have had their works accepted. 

ArchaeoSpain

ArchaeoSpain is a reputable organization that offers a wide range of archaeological programs in Spain, catering to individuals and groups of all ages and backgrounds. Their programs include hands-on excavation experiences, field schools, and specialized tours that provide participants with the opportunity to explore Spain's rich cultural and historical heritage. They work with a team of experienced and knowledgeable archaeologists and staff to ensure that participants receive comprehensive training and guidance throughout their time with the organization. ArchaeoSpain is committed to promoting archaeological research and public awareness of Spain's archaeological heritage through their programs, publications, and outreach initiatives. 

Honors and Awards

Scholastics Art & Writing Awards

An Eureka alumni who is currently studying Comparative Literature at Yale University had previously completed the Eureka Art History and Museum Studies Program. Additionally, this individual also received the Scholastic National Gold Medalist for Journalism award. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is a program that recognizes creative talent among middle and high school students across the United States. The awards are highly respected and considered the most prestigious recognition program for creative teenagers in the country. The National Gold Medal is a significant achievement awarded to the top entries in various categories, including journalism. Winning this award can bring recognition to the students and their schools and can open up future opportunities in their academic and professional pursuits.

New Hampshire Arts & Writing Scholastic Award

The New Hampshire Arts & Writing Scholastic Award is a regional program that celebrates creative talent among middle and high school students in New Hampshire. It is part of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a national program that recognizes artistic and literary talent among teenagers. Students can submit their original works of art and writing in various categories, and winners receive recognition and may have their work featured in regional exhibitions and publications. Eureka Alumni from the Eureka Art History and Museum Studies Program received a Gold Key award and is currently studying Economics and Global Studies at Yale University. 

Information Sessions

Disclaimers

* Some students names are hidden from this page for privacy purposes

* All college results rankings are based on the 2022-2023 U.S. News Best Colleges Rankings

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