Opportunities for Undergraduates

The Art and Art History Department offers a Minor in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies. In support of the minor, museum staff offers a class in Chinese Export Porcelain and the China Trade, 1500 to 1900, and a Seminar in Museum Studies. Additionally, staff assists art and art history classes, when needed.

The Museums at W&L offers an eight-week, paid summer internship to currently enrolled W&L students. The program provides W&L students in any discipline an introduction to basic museum policies and practices through hands on experiences with the collections.

Students who participate in the student employment program support the Museums at W&L in a variety of ways. Students who report to the museum program coordinator assist with education, marketing, and visitor services. Those who report to the collections manager support the collections, exhibits, and art moves.

Named after the former Director of the Reeves Collection, the Thomas V. Litzenburg Jr. Prize recognizes outstanding academic work on objects in the Museums at Washington and Lee University.

Past Recipients:

• 2020 Kassidy Strosnider
• 2019 David R. Salchert
• 2018 Julie Ruth Malone
• 2017 Arianna India Dial
• 2016 Hannah Tyler Wilson
• 2016 Kendall Christine Knoll
• 2013 Ellen Margaretta Archie
• 2012 Rachel Elyse Denniston
• 2011 Kathryn Bradley Gephart
• 2010 Lauren Frances Sturdy
• 2008 Madeline Lilia Gent
• 2007 Anne Taylor Tipton
• 2005 Michael David Letournea
• 2004 Clay Tillman Jackson, Jr.

The Museums at W&L wishes to help each student grow into engaged and change-making citizens. It’s essential that Washington and Lee students know that they are seen, heard, and valued by the Museums. Incorporating student reflections into exhibitions and programming is a continued goal. Below are just a few ways in which students engage with and reflect on Museums collections.

• Discover student reflections.

The Museums at W&L holds student-only events throughout the year. During the school year, the Museums at W&L offers student exam breaks (coffee and snacks included), information tables in Elrod Commons and at the Student Activities Fair, exhibit-specific events, and our annual Cheese Louise wine and cheese reception.

• Discover current exhibits and upcoming events.

The Museums at W&L consists of three museums that are open to university students for free. All current Washington and Lee students (undergraduate and law) are considered honorary members of “Friends of Lee Chapel.” Student benefits include:

• 10% off Museum Shop purchases with current WLU ID.
• An additional one-time 10% off when a student takes a guided tour of Lee Chapel and Museum.

Surrounded by art, the galleries are a perfect place for quiet study and quiet contemplation. The presence of art improves the brain's function, boosts creative thinking and helps us unwind. Study Hours are held at the Reeves Museum of Ceramics during exam week. The Reeves Museum is located between Tucker Hall and Admissions.