Warner Robins, GA — As a curator in one of the country’s largest aviation museums, Michael Rowland is a storyteller whose mission is to help share the Air Force story. As a child who grew up with a heritage of Naval military service from his father, red, white and blue runs deep in this Connecticut native’s blood.
“I loved hearing my dad tell stories about being on submarines. A lot of what he did was just cruising along under the water,” recalled Rowland. “They trained a lot because they had to be ready for anything. So I grew up on submarine history, while also developing an interest in aviation history and military history in general.”
Rowland, who graduated with a master’s degree in museum studies from the University of Florida, is himself an Air Force veteran of six years. He was immersed in the field of aircraft and munitions maintenance while serving his country.
His interest in museums grew while on active duty. He began working with the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base in 2004 and became its curator responsible for artifact collection in 2008.
He still gets a thrill driving to work each day, seeing aircraft tails poking up through the tall trees in the distance.
Inside the campus among the dozens of exhibits, he and his team members are charged with communicating the message to the public about the Air Force and its mission of global vigilance, power and reach.
He takes his job to heart when it comes to exhibit development, helping people understand the historical significance and human element of every story.
Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2014/05/25/3110614/museum-of-aviation-curator-helps.html#storylink=cpy
Museum of Aviation curator helps share Air Force story