Budding Gardeners

Smithsonian Gardens published their Winter 2015 Newsletter and highlighted some of their new fellows and interns. Let’s meet the new additions!

New Haupt Fellow Janie Askew is from Dallas, Texas. Her work primarily involved studying and writing blogs about objects from the Garden Furnishings and Horticultural Artifacts collection. In the future, Janie intends to pursue a PhD in Art History and Material Culture and ultimately hopes to teach at the college level.

Meet The Interns

Thomas Hull

I am at student at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, where I am in my final term of study for a Bachelor of Arts in History, with an emphasis on the early colonial American period. I hold an associate degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from Walla Walla Community College (the highest ranked CC in the Nation: go Warriors!) where my study emphasis was Turf Management. I also hold an Associate of Arts degree from Yakima Valley Community College. For the last eight years I have worked seasonally for Apple Tree Resort, an upscale golf course and resort community in Yakima, Washington. During my time there I have worked in the resort’s turf management and residential landscape installation divisions, acquiring valuable skills in both positions.

Leigh Kendrick

I am in my last semester of coursework as an MA student with the Smithsonian-Mason program studying the decorative arts. I grew up in Mobile, Alabama and completed my undergraduate degree at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia where I studied art history. I graduated in May 2013 then moved to Washington to complete my graduate degree. I am focusing on American glass and furniture in my MA program, although I have completed coursework in many other topics. I currently work at Susquehanna Antique Company in Georgetown where I perform many duties, but also get to interact with beautiful decorative arts objects, such as the collection of antique garden furniture, on a daily basis. I look forward to gaining new experiences with the Smithsonian Gardens team and the projects I encounter!

Melinda Allen

This winter I am finishing up my first graduate year at Drexel University studying Information and Library Sciences, with a concentration in Archival Studies. I am excited to expand my knowledge in digital practices and archival procedures at the Smithsonian Gardens. I have limited formal education on landscapes and gardens, but am thrilled to have the opportunity to broaden my knowledge of this subject through this internship. I am a born and raised NoVvian from Alexandria, Virginia and thus am familiar with the DC area and all the wonders this city has to offer.

Alan Marcus

Hello! I’m extremely excited to be working with the Smithsonian this 2015 winter season. I recently graduated from Cornell University with a degree in International Agriculture and Rural Development. With my degree, I’m looking to pursue a horticultural career in public gardens. This experience with the Smithsonian will certainly be invaluable for my journey and I’m excited to meet everyone here and be able to contribute to a group that has inspired me since I was young. It’s going to be great working in the capital of our country!