Brianna Birkle never imagined that her passion for art and chemistry would lead her to testing historic artifacts for hazardous materials. But as a Walsh University junior double-majoring in Museum Studies and Visual & Performing Arts (Studio Art) with a minor in Chemistry, she found herself doing just that—collaborating with museum professionals to uncover hidden dangers in centuries-old books and objects.
Through Walsh University’s Museum Studies program, Birkle was invited to join a conservation project at the Massillon Museum, working alongside students and faculty from Lake Erie College and Aultman College of Nursing. Armed with specialized equipment on loan from Lake Erie College, she and the team carefully examined 19th- and early 20th-century artifacts using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology, searching for traces of toxic elements like mercury and arsenic.
“The collaboration with Janet Wittine, a student at Lake Erie College, the team at Massillon Museum, and Dr. Jean Paddock, President of Aultman College, provided an exciting opportunity to learn and discover,” Birkle said. “Working on the Poison Book Project was especially rewarding, as it allowed us to uncover hidden toxic elements, such as copper acetoarsenite—better known as ‘emerald green.’ It was eye-opening to see how these hazardous materials are still present in artifacts from the past.”
Birkle’s passion for conservation and preservation has grown from her work at Walsh University. She has interned at ICA-Art Conservation in Cleveland, assisting with the conservation of cultural heritage objects, and has helped catalog historic artifacts at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. She also serves as a member of the Stark County Heritage Emergency Response Team, working to protect local cultural collections during emergencies.
Her academic journey also includes a Junior Honors Project titled “Volatile Compounds: Two Sides of Textiles in Collections,” which focuses on how pollutants emitted from nearby objects can accelerate the degradation of textiles in museums. “This project is especially meaningful as it ties directly into my senior thesis, which will focus on off-gassing in commercially produced digitally printed fabrics used in cultural heritage collections,” said Birkle. “It’s vital to understand the long-term effects of pollutants to ensure better preservation of these items.”
Birkle’s internship at ICA-Art Conservation has been particularly influential, providing her with hands-on experience in various areas of conservation. “Under the guidance of trained conservators, I’ve worked on everything from repairing damaged frames to cleaning monumental sculptures and textiles,” she shared. “Each project has given me a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in conservation and has shaped my path toward becoming a professional in this field.”
Her work at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens also reinforced her understanding of conservation challenges. “My task was to examine every light fixture in the historic home to report on its condition,” Birkle explained. “This experience emphasized the importance of prioritizing which parts of a collection need attention and the difficulty in making those decisions, especially when dealing with unique artifacts that require tailored treatments.”
Birkle’s experience in global settings, like the Museum Studies Global Learning Trip in 2023, further broadened her education. “Visiting museums and historic sites in Paris, Florence, and Rome was an invaluable experience. I had the chance to see international conservation treatments firsthand and compare the operational differences between European and U.S. museums,” she said. “It reinforced my commitment to preserving cultural heritage while learning about the global challenges in conservation.”
Walsh University’s Museum Studies program has been essential in preparing Birkle for her career. “The hands-on opportunities Walsh offers, combined with the comprehensive training in object handling, ethics, and conservation science, have made me a much stronger candidate for graduate school,” Birkle said. “I’ve worked in seven different museums and conservation labs, and the research I’ve done at the Center for Scientific Excellence has helped me hone my analytical skills.”
Looking ahead, Birkle plans to continue gaining experience in conservation before applying to graduate school. “My long-term goal is to become a fully trained conservator and work in a museum or regional conservation center,” she said. “I want to contribute my love of learning, my passion for conservation, and the skills I’ve gained to help preserve cultural heritage for future generations.”
