Starting June 28, Michelle Fitzgerald, Curator of Collections for the Johns Hopkins University Museums, will embark on a 16-day journey through the stately homes and storied landscapes of the English countryside as a member of the 72nd Attingham Summer School.
The summer school, an offshoot of the internationally recognized Attingham Trust, brings together museum professionals, preservationists, and decorative arts scholars from across the globe to examine the architecture, interiors, landscapes, and material culture of Britain’s country houses and engage in thoughtful dialogue around the ongoing challenges of conservation and interpretation.
The 2025 course will travel through Sussex, Oxfordshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, and Lincolnshire, visiting some of the country’s most significant heritage sites, including Arundel Castle, home to the Dukes of Norfolk for almost 900 years; the grand Baroque interiors of Petworth House, influenced by the patronage of figures like J.M.W. Turner and John Flaxman; and Chatsworth, the seat of the Cavendish family and Dukes of Devonshire, whose collections span four centuries. Each site tells a layered story of political power, artistic ambition, and evolving domestic life, offering not only a deeper understanding of British heritage but also vital context for interpreting American material culture in a global context.
“Both Evergreen Museum & Library and Homewood Museum are influenced in their architecture, collections, and social history by the tradition of the English country house,” says Fitzgerald, who has been at the museums since fall of 2018. “I look forward to expanding and refreshing my knowledge, as well as gaining ideas for how to weave collections into our interpretation at the museums.”
She is particularly excited about a planned visit to Standen, an Arts and Crafts family home in West Sussex famed for its Morris & Co. Interiors and scenic hillside garden.
“As a personal fan of all William Morris décor, it feels like a pilgrimage,” she says with a laugh.
Fitzgerald’s participation in the program is made possible through a combination of scholarship support by the Edward Maverick Fun of the New York Community Trust and philanthropic generosity from Mary Meyer, a longtime supporter of the JHU Museums who attended the Attingham Summer School herself in the 1990s.
“Attending the Attingham Summer School was a very special time for me,” says Meyer. “I was able to visit many wonderful English country houses and gardens, hear lectures on so many areas of the decorative arts and architecture, as well as have the chance to meet museum curators and other enthusiasts. I want Michelle to have a chance to attend such an amazing program too.”
Attingham has long been at the top of Fitzgerald’s professional bucket list, and she is grateful for Meyer’s financial support and collegial advice.
“Mary’s understanding of this program and the generous time she has spent with me sharing her experiences make me appreciate even more this rare opportunity that I have been given,” says Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald has promised to share highlights from her trip on the blog upon her return in mid-July, so look out for that. Until then, bon voyage—or should we say “cheerio”—Michelle!
Michelle’s journey is a testament to what’s possible donors help connect passion and opportunity. Gifts like Mary Meyer’s have a lasting impact, empowering our museum professionals to grow, innovate, and bring new perspectives to their work. To support the work of the Johns Hopkins University Museums’ staff, please consider making a gift. Your generosity helps build a future where our collections and programs continue to inspire learning and discovery for all.