Interview with the Woodman Executive Director Jon Nichols

 Ally McDonough

UNH Master of Arts in History: Museum Studies Candidate

2024-2025 Research Assistant for the Flax to Linen Project

Interview about the Woodman Museum’s Participation in the Flax to Linen Project

Jonathan Nichols is a second-year master's student in the History: Museum Studies program at the University of New Hampshire. In addition to his class schedule, Jonathan is also the Executive Director of the Woodman Museum in Dover, New Hampshire. Before becoming the Executive Director of the Woodman Museum, Jonathan was a dedicated volunteer at the museum. He is currently working on several new and exciting exhibits for the Woodman Museum this winter. 

Ally McDonough: Why was the Woodman Museum chosen for the exhibition of master's student Beth Gallucci and the Flax to Linen Project?

Jonathan Nichols: The flax exhibit came about because of some fortuitous coincidences in the Fall of 2023. Dr. Alexander and I were talking about the museum, and she asked if there happened to be a space for Beth Gallucci to use for her Master’s degree final project. It just so happened that we were beginning to take apart that year’s special exhibit in our Foster Gallery and were beginning to plan out 2024’s exhibition. I have had a strong desire to expand our relationship with UNH, especially after the University’s [art] museum was unfortunately shut down. When this idea was pitched to us, we immediately jumped on board.

Ally McDonough: Were there any roadblocks to approving the exhibition? How long did it take to set up? Did anything happen behind the scenes when setting up that you were worried about?

Jonathan Nichols: The whole process of setting up took a couple of months as significant research, design, and planning went into the exhibition by Beth, Dr. Alexander, the Woodman staff, and more. Kay Morgan also worked hard over those months to acquire grant funding for the project through New Hampshire Humanities. The setup went smoothly, but I did worry a little about the element of growing our own flax on the grounds, as I by no means have any green thumb. However, even the garden went well in my mind.

Ally McDonough: Did any visitors mention they had come just to see the exhibition? What kind of feedback did you get from visitors about the exhibition? Would you allow the Woodman to be used again for student exhibits?

Jonathan Nichols: When the gallery did open, we had tons of visitors to the museum throughout the season who came specifically for the exhibit and/or the programming centered around the exhibit. I think by far the exhibit was incredibly well received and laid the groundwork for a continuing relationship with UNH for future student-made exhibits.