Prof. Erik Swanson
Adjunct Lecturer in Museum Studies Executive Director, Historic Waco
Education
MA, Baylor University
BA, Gettysburg College
Academic and Professional Interests
Erik Swanson is the Executive Director of Historic Waco in Waco, Texas and manages the Earle Harrison House and Pape Gardens. Prof. Swanson started his museum career interning at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in 2012 and worked at the Baylor University Libraries as their Exhibits Curator and Coordinator from 2015-2022. Swanson has held numerous leadership positions, including President of the Museum Association of Waco.
What is your favorite museum?
I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Presidential Libraries. The office of President of the United States is one of the most challenging positions in the world and it is fascinating to get an inside look on how each individual responded to the many challenges they faced. The LBJ Library is a personal favorite of mine, as I am a big admirer of how the architecture compliments their collections and displays.
My favorite Waco museum/zoo/aquarium/botanical garden is the Cameron Park Zoo. The CPZ has an amazing variety of animals and provides great opportunities to learn about and watch the animals up close, making for a unique viewing experience. The zoo’s labels are fun and informative, and I will never get tired of attempting to scare my wife by claiming loudly that the Komodo Dragon statue is real and the actual dragon has escaped his cage.
Courses Taught
- Exhibit Design and Preparation (UG)
- Design and Management of Museum Exhibits (GR)