Prof. Rachael Nadeau Johnson

Education

B.S., Michigan State University
M.A., Baylor University

Academic and Professional Interests

Rachael A. Nadeau Johnson is the Collections Manager for the Dr Pepper Museum. A native Michigander, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Baylor University. At the Dr Pepper Museum she oversees the care of the Museum’s collections and collections on repository, along with being involved in exhibit design and other functions of the Museum. 

Prof. Nadeau Johnson has been involved in several professional organizations. She has served on the executive committee of the Museum Association of Waco and the American Association for State and Local History’s Business History Affinity Community. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Texas Association of Museums’ (TAM) Museum Emerging Leaders of Texas Affinity Group and is a member TAM’s Program Committee. She is also on the board of Historic Waco.  

A current academic and professional interest of Prof. Nadeau Johnson is currently being researched in conjunction with Dr. Holcomb. They are taking a deeper look into museums as a workplace including workplace culture and DEAI amongst museum professionals.

Prof. Nadeau Johnson began teaching in the program in 2017. She has focused mainly on the graduate collections management course but has recently added the undergraduate collections ethics course. She is delighted to be able to share her love of museums, collections, and ethics with students.  

What is your favorite museum?

As a lifelong museum lover, I don’t think I could ever pick just one museum! I love so many for different reasons. Here is a list of some of my current favorites. 

Favorite Large Museum: The Field Museum in Chicago. Growing up fairly close to Chicago, this is the main museum I remember visiting as a child and it’s part of the reason I love museums so much today. It will always hold a special place in my heart.  

Favorite Small Museum: Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home in Arkansas. It’s an amazing experience to walk where Johnny Cash grew up and learn about the events that shaped not only his life and so many others that were tied to this area.  

Favorite Castle Museum: Yes, I have this category too! Stirling Castle in Stirling, Scotland is by far one of the best museums I have ever visited. They are doing an excellent job with both historic preservation and interpretation. Runners up in this category are Hampton Court Palace and Doune Castle.  

Favorite Anatomical/Medical Museum: The Hunterian Museum in London, although the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia is a close second. This is my favorite category of museum.  

Favorite Museum of the Moment: First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. Exploring museums is always on the top of my list wherever I go. Recently I was able to explore several museums in Oklahoma City and although they were all great, First Americans Museum is hands down one of the best museums I have ever visited.  

Primary Courses Taught

• Collections Management (G)
• Advanced Collections Management (G)
• Ethical Issues in Cultural Collections Management (U)