Dr. Jean Saul: Lifelong Learning as a Museum Volunteer

Jean Saul

As a retired educator, Dr. Jean Saul has seen how the lives of adults can be transformed by new learning experiences. At the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Jean believes the opportunities for lifelong learners are vast—including lectures from renowned speakers, specially planned study trips, engaging exhibitions that bring the world to Denver, and entertaining events that bring together all types of people who enjoy connecting with the Museum.

"Once I retired," said Jean, "I looked for new and interesting learning opportunities, and volunteering with the Museum was an obvious choice. My first volunteer assignment was in the Anthropology Department working with Latin American textiles. Through that experience, I have confirmed the importance of scientific inquiry, and I have developed a budding curiosity of anthropology and archaeology."

Jean has been introduced to the Museum's efforts to connect the Native American community with the cultural objects that represent their culture and inform their history. She is now a supporter of the Museum's Native American Science Program, which offers science scholarships for college and graduate students, a science career day for middle schoolers, and fellowships for tribal elders. "This program has demonstrated to me that the Museum is committed to preserving cultural objects in a sensitive manner, conducting accurate and appropriate research, and creating educational opportunities for students in the Native American community," Jean said.

Jean is now also working in the Museum's Archives Department, helping to digitize a manuscript by former Museum director, Dr. Alfred Bailey, documenting his lifetime of fieldwork. "I am learning about the birds, animals, and cultures that he experienced, back in the 1930s and 40s. It's opened up a whole new world to me and makes me appreciate what it took to create the Museum collections that we now enjoy."

Jean's connection to the Museum has taken her in new and exciting directions. "I chose to make the Museum a beneficiary of my trust because I believe in its efforts to provide educational experiences to people of all ages," said Jean. "I am delighted to support the Museum's future, and look forward to helping ensure that the institution will be around, long after I am gone."