Toledo School for the Arts Introduces Museum Studies Class for Students
A new course at Toledo School for the Arts (TSA) is opening doors for high school students to engage with the museum world while challenging traditional ideas of what a museum can be.
The Museum Studies class, taught by Taylor Moyer, senior humanities and museum studies instructor, introduces students to the core operations of museums, from curating and accessioning artifacts to grant writing, conflict resolution, and even mock board meetings.
The idea was inspired by a professional trip to Washington, D.C., where Moyer and TSA Artistic Director, Juliette Quinlan, visited Duke Ellington School of the Arts and saw a vibrant gallery space integrated into their curriculum. That experience sparked the realization: TSA could build something similar to empower its own students.
But the program goes beyond training future museum professionals. According to Moyer, the goal is to help students learn how to present, organize, and showcase the things they are passionate about, whether in a gallery, a local market, or even an online store.
Students are also learning that museums aren’t “dusty buildings for the elite,” but evolving spaces that reflect culture, identity, and everyday life. Many already have a natural curator’s eye, from collecting porcelain to vinyl records, and the course helps them see how personal passions can grow into cultural preservation.
The initiative also strengthens TSA’s role in the wider community. Conversations are already underway with the Toledo Museum of Art to provide students with hands-on experiences beyond the classroom.
While still in its early stages, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. In just a few weeks, students have begun to show greater confidence, professionalism, and an appreciation for how museums connect past, present, and future.
As Moyer puts it, “We want to be out in the community, showing people what these students are capable of. I hope when they leave, they feel empowered to use what they’ve learned to make a difference. In Toledo, in Ohio, and beyond.”
This initiative upholds the child’s right to education, development, and participation. By allowing students to explore culture and express their creativity in meaningful ways, TSA is nurturing not only future leaders but also voices that will shape the cultural landscape of tomorrow.
