The University’s Museum Studies Program is creating a residency program for museum workers in Iraq.

The five-month program, funded by the State Department, will train students to better preserve Iraqi artifacts and entice people into museums.

Museum Studies Director Kym Rice said GW was an obvious choice for the program, given the University’s proximity to the D.C. museums and strength of its Museum Studies Program.

“Our program has trained foreign museum professionals for many years,” Assistant Director Martha Morris said. “Our program has a strong reputation and we work closely with major museums such as the Smithsonian and many others.”

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is handling the application process and will determine which applicants are chosen. Applicants from any museum or any level of professional ability are eligible, Morris said.

“Training will be museum practices in exhibitions, collections and management… and other topics as requested,” Morris said.

While the program is currently online for Iraqi students, Morris said the University is hoping to add more countries to the program.

“Our job is to train museum professionals in the U.S.,” she said. “We don’t often have an opportunity outside of the U.S. to get involved in the world community of museums and do something good.”

The training comes at a crucial time for Iraqis, who are tasked with both preserving their culture and rebuilding their many museums destroyed in the ongoing war, which dates back to 2003.

“The Iraqis have a strong need to strengthen their skills in managing their cultural heritage,” Morris said. “We are proud to be of help.”

Rice said many things American museums take for granted – controlled air systems and proper security among them – are dire necessities in Iraq.

“This isn’t really a money-making opportunity for GW, but instead an opportunity to give back,” Rice said.