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Megan Nguyen | Collections and Exhibitions Coordinator and Art Bridges Fellow

Megan Nguyen has joined the Peoria Riverfront Museum to support the planning and coordination efforts commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. She will assist the curatorial team and guest-curator, renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, to highlight the history of the nation through the perspective of the American Midwest. Opening in 2026, this year-long series of exhibitions will tell Peoria’s pivotal place within American history, as well as expand upon the city’s national and international influence in art, science, history, and achievement.

After graduating from Western Illinois University with a B.S. in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Megan began her early career helping communities maintain clean, safe, and healthy neighborhoods. Visiting museums for the first time as an adult inspired her to consider alternative forms of self-empowerment, creativity, and lifelong learning. As a first-generation Vietnamese-American, she hopes to create more inclusive museum spaces for multigenerational and multilingual audiences.

Upon graduating with a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from George Washington University, Megan gained experience as an independent contractor working on exhibition development, interpretive planning, and curatorial research for a range of museums and cultural institutions across the United States. She returns to her hometown with the goal of expanding museum access to all Americans.

Contact Information:

Work: 309-863-3006

Mnguyen@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org