The Rosenbach Museum & Library is pleased to announce two new appointments designed to support the organization’s mission of creating “a community that engages with and celebrates the art of the written word using our collection of rare books and manuscripts.”
Bryn Michelson-Ziegler joins us as Assistant Curator of Outreach & Engagement. In this newly created role, Michelson-Ziegler will oversee development and delivery of onsite public programs at the Rosenbach, curate installations in the Rosenbach’s new Treasures galleries, and spearhead the creation of digital tools to expand access to the Rosenbach site. Michelson-Ziegler holds a B.F.A. in fine arts from the University of Southern California and an M.F.A. in book arts and printmaking from the University of the Arts. She has an extensive background teaching book arts and working in libraries, including most recently the Collection Care Department at the Free Library of Philadelphia. She began her new role on July 15. “The Rosenbach collections are so varied and compelling that they’re almost overwhelming! That’s what drew me to this position–to curate the Rosenbach experience for our community is such a wonderfully challenging opportunity,” said Michelson-Ziegler. “I look forward to supporting the Rosenbach’s foundation of quality programming while developing engaging new events and contributing dynamic interpretation to our exhibitions.”
“Bryn Michelson-Ziegler combines interests, experiences, and skill sets that make her the perfect fit for the Department of Outreach & Engagement at this time of transformation and growth,” said Dr. Alexander Lawrence Ames, Director of Outreach & Engagement at the Rosenbach. “Bryn is a talented book artist and a gifted teacher. More than this, however, she is a thoughtful leader and supportive colleague with a profound understanding of the civic role the Rosenbach occupies in our hometown of Philadelphia, our region, the nation, and the world. I look forward to collaborating closely with Bryn on our various interpretive projects and programs.”
Shoshana Bockol is promoted to Visitor Experience Coordinator in the Department of Operations, where she will play a lead role in the Rosenbach’s volunteer guide program. Formerly a Visitor Services Associate at the Rosenbach, Bockol will continue her duties welcoming and assisting visitors at the front desk while taking on managerial work with a volunteer corps of approximately 30 people. Bockol holds a B.A. in gender, sexuality, and women’s studies from Temple University and a minor in English. In addition to her position at the Rosenbach, she works at H&H Books, where she recently co-curated the Riverwards Arts & Letters salon series. Bockol previously interned at the William Way LGBT Community Center’s John J. Wilcox Archives. Bockol began her new role on July 11. “Over the past ten months of working at the Rosenbach, I have worked closely with the public to ensure their time visiting our museum is seamless. Our volunteer guides are a foundational part of the museum whose expertise and contagious enthusiasm has visitors leaving energized. I am deeply excited to support them in this role.”
“Shoshana Bockol has been an integral part of the Visitor Experience team, bringing her professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication to the Rosenbach,” said Chelsea Sanz, the Rosenbach’s Director of Operations. “She will continue her work with the public and expand her responsibilities by being the first point of contact for our wonderful guides, to help with streamlining schedules and gearing up for the training season. We are so excited to see Shoshana shine in this new position.”
Both these appointments were made as the Rosenbach continues to work toward the vision, mission, and goals outlined in its new strategic plan, which places the focus of the institution squarely on creating ease of access and high-quality visitor experiences for community members who engage with the Rosenbach onsite and online.