Carleton Scholar Helps Shape Upcoming MFAH Exhibition

Nancy Kuoh, a Posse Houston Scholar entering her sophomore year at Carleton College, spent the summer at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), contributing to its upcoming spring 2027 exhibition, BOLD AND BRILLIANT.

The internship allowed Nancy to explore her interest in African American history while gaining experience outside her intended career path in law. Drawn to the opportunity to try something beyond the legal field, she wanted to deepen her understanding of history and learn how Black stories are preserved and shared.

During the summer, Nancy researched the people, photographs and stories connected to BOLD AND BRILLIANT. She produced a 22-page research paper and helped develop interactive iPad content for the exhibition. The museum also gave her creative freedom to contribute ideas about the placement, written content and supporting images for the displays.

“It was exciting to be trusted with my ideas and to see something that began as a concept slowly become part of a real exhibition,” says Nancy.

One of the summer’s most memorable moments was presenting her research to curatorial staff and colleagues from departments across the museum. After months of research and development, Nancy appreciated the opportunity to share her findings and receive feedback from museum professionals.

“Throughout the summer, I was encouraged to ask questions, be curious, and learn from the people around me, which made the experience especially meaningful,” she says.

Nancy’s work with the museum’s collection of Black picture magazines also gave her a new perspective on how history is preserved. Her supervisor, Lisa Volpe, spent years locating and collecting magazines from across the country that documented Black life from the 1930s through the 1970s. Studying the collection revealed the intentional work required to preserve stories that have historically been overlooked.

“Seeing those materials come together to tell a larger story showed me how powerful museums can be in preserving memory, honoring people who came before us, and making sure their experiences continue to be shared,” says Nancy.

The internship also expanded Nancy’s understanding of topics she had explored at Carleton. During the 2026 winter term, she took a history course examining African American history from Reconstruction through the Black Lives Matter movement. At the MFAH, photographs and Black picture magazines allowed her to revisit many of the same themes through a different lens, including how Black communities documented their identities, struggles and achievements.

Nancy’s internship reflects the impact of Posse Houston’s longstanding partnership with the MFAH. A Houston Career Partner, the museum has hosted a Posse Houston intern each year since 2021. It also recently welcomed Posse Houston alumni for the chapter’s Alumni Induction event.

For Nancy, the summer demonstrated how historical research and storytelling can complement her long-term interest in advocacy.

“As someone who hopes to pursue law, that connection was especially meaningful to me,” says Nancy. “It strengthened my interest in understanding history while also pursuing a career where I can advocate for others and contribute to meaningful change.”