By Jeremy Cisneros, B.S. ‘27, Data Science
Lucy Kang, B.S. ‘26, International Business
Sofie Lindberg, B.A. ‘25, Human Services and Social Justice
Isabelle Samudio joined the Albert H. Small Center for National Capital Area Studies as a curatorial assistant in September 2024. She is a graduate student at the George Washington University pursuing a master’s degree in museum studies. In 2023, she graduated from GW with a bachelor’s degree in archaeology and a minor in classics.
As a curatorial assistant, Isabelle supports exhibition development by conducting research, brainstorming interactive gallery materials and writing labels. She explains that curators are skilled researchers who build on their knowledge to develop engaging and informative exhibitions. While working on assignments for upcoming shows, she aims to distill her research into captivating and accessible content for museum visitors.
Isabelle’s journey into the museum field began in childhood when her parents took her on frequent museum visits. As an undergraduate student at GW, she continued to nurture her passion for history at the Special Collections Research Center, an invaluable resource of rare materials on campus in Gelman Library. Through research opportunities at GW, Isabelle developed a foundation in archival research that has inspired her desire to share history with others and pursue curatorial work.
Among her many contributions, Isabelle is particularly proud of her work on Capital Accommodations, an upcoming exhibition on D.C.’s historical hotels. Through collection objects, the show highlights some of the city’s most iconic establishments, such as the National Hotel, and the people who stayed and worked in them. Isabelle helped design and research cards profiling noteworthy guests. Museum visitors will use the cards to explore guests’ stories as they navigate the exhibition.
Isabelle’s favorite artwork in the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection is a broadside advertising sheet music titled “The Nation in Tears. In Memoriam Abraham Lincoln.” The piece, composed following Lincoln’s assassination, reflects a grieving nation. The paper itself is bordered by a black mourning band. The music symbolizes bereavement and unease during an unprecedented time in American history.
Isabelle credits her supervisor, Dr. Kasey Sease, curator of the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection, with providing helpful career advice, particularly in enhancing her museum-focused LinkedIn profile and resume. Through Kasey’s mentorship, Isabelle has learned that asking questions and seeking guidance are essential skills for growth. For students interested in working in museums, Isabelle shares some insightful advice: “Your niche has not been created yet; your interests will lead to the future of the field.”
Capital Accommodations and From A to DC: Transportation in Washington will be on view June 28, 2025- February 28, 2026.
This post was written by students in Professor Jessica McCaughey’s COMM 3190 class at George Washington University.
About the Authors
Jeremy Cisneros is an undergraduate at GW studying data science with a minor in geographic information systems.
Lucy Kang is an undergraduate at GW studying international business with a concentration in accountancy.
Sofie Lindberg is an undergraduate at GW studying human services and social justice with a minor in organizational sciences.
Header image: Isabelle Samudio, Curatorial Assistant. Photo by Hanna Leka/the George Washington University.