Sharing Stories Is Our Skillset
A Guest Blog Post by Melissa Chadowski
What brought you to love reading? What made you want to become a writer? Every person reading these questions will tell a different journey to their passion. You are in spaces where you love reading, whether it be in your home, library, or book club. You are in spaces to help write your novels, whether it be with a trusted peer or a group of people in a regional setting. I am not in the same spaces as you. I do, though, have an important story to share. It involves you and anyone who is empathetic, a critical thinker, and has a love to share stories.
If any of my English teachers knew I was writing a blog post for writers and avid readers, there would be major spit-takes. I began volunteering at history museums when I was in high school and then went to George Mason University to study history education. Engaging students on field trips and wrangling energetic adolescents have been my specialty. So why am I writing to you? There are major themes we share.
Reading, Writing, and History
Reading and writing have always impacted history. Discussions about these books and writings have led to major changes in history, including the formation of the United States. Though its modern reception may not be as transformative as it was in the 19th century, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was a novel that led many women to join the abolition movement.
What Movement Are We In Now?
A question I have for you is: What movement are we in now?
There is a literacy crisis in the United States. When the Nation’s Report Card in 2023 showed that only forty-three percent of fourth graders scored at a proficient or above level, that is concerning. This combines the spaces where we are in. Literacy and education are intertwined. Another space that is important in literacy and critical thinking is the museum space. Museums are also seeing a decrease in visitors and have made cuts to education programming and staff. I see these issues and, with the skillsets I have, I do not want to sit by and let these issues continue.
Introducing Museum Extraordinary
I created Museum Extraordinary to help museum professionals and volunteers amplify community connections. I am reaching out to you because I know many people in the museum space love reading. You may be a staff member or volunteer at a local museum. You may have a colleague who is. Museum Extraordinary is a space for staff and volunteers to feel they have a way to get items off their to-do list or to improve volunteering skills. Museums can be spaces where people practice critical thinking, open their minds, and make changes to society. Just like readers and writers do.
I invite you to check out www.museumextraordinary.com to see what can be helpful to you or a friend. You may email mel@museumextraordinary.com if you have any questions. Use the code WRITERS10 for 10% off any product or service between now and December 31, 2026.
Making Our Communities Better
Our world is fast-paced and does not promote thinking outside the box. Great books and museums do just the opposite. Use your skills and talents to make your community better. That is the same thing I tell all my student visitors during my tours. If we all did that, what changes could we make?
Citations
Libong, Andrew (2025, November 11). Museums had a rough 2025: Report shows lower attendance, lost grants, less money. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2025/11/11/nx-s1-5604385/museums-attendance-donations-grants-trump
Socol, A. (2024, January 17). The Literacy Crisis in the U.S. is Deeply Concerning—and Totally Preventable. EdTrust. https://edtrust.org/blog/the-literacy-crisis-in-the-u-s-is-deeply-concerning-and-totally-preventable/