CGP is one of the oldest museum studies programs in the country. According to the National Endowment for the Humanities, their program is also one of the best. A recent reviewer called CGP the “premiere program for the training of museum professionals in the United States.” The program started in 1964 when Dr. Louis C. Jones, a folklorist and Director of the New York State Historical Association, had the vision to create a program dedicated to the training of men and women who would work in museums of history. Dr. Jones wanted to train individuals with an interest in the new social history, but in those days he called it the history of “every man and woman.”

They are committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment, and the curriculum is focused on community service and cultural competence. CGP is intent on training students of all cultures to assume professional museum positions as possible.

The Cooperstown Graduate Program is a generalist course of study. Students take courses in all aspects of museum work to insure that they understand the workings of each of the departments of the museum. The program also requires a considerable amount of course work in American history, American art, and American material culture or in science because they believe that students must have a content background to be effective in the development of programs and exhibitions.  Students choose either the history track or the science track.

CGP also has an excellent employment track record. Over the course of the last several years, between 75 and 100 per cent of graduates have found professional museum jobs within 12 months of graduation. Many find jobs within one or two months. CGP is a life-long commitment to professional development assistance and former students have a network of colleagues to draw on throughout their professional careers.

If you would like to learn more about CGP, please visit our website at cgpmuseumstudies.org  or email Melanie Bruce (melanie.bruce@oneonta.edu) to request additional information.