On the ladder: Eric Paul Wheeler
Eric Wheeler has spent his professional life devoted to the people of the United States of America — through his work as the associate curator at the Strong National Museum of Play, where he preserves the country’s history, and through his years of active duty in the U.S. armed forces.
Wheeler, of Brighton, is also an adjunct professor at Monroe Community College, where he teaches sports and military history courses, and he still serves as an operations specialist in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Because, Wheeler says, a good teacher is always learning, he is working toward a master’s degree in public administration from the State University of New York at Brockport.
What do you do as a curator?
I am responsible for acquiring artifacts for the museum’s permanent collection, researching the history of those objects, and presenting them in various exhibits and displays. My main focus this past year has been on our American Comic Book Heroes exhibit and our newly launched National Center for the History of Electronic Games, which already holds an unparalleled collection of more than 20,000 electronic games and game platforms. It’s a job I find endlessly fascinating. And as you can imagine, it’s great fun as well.
Why did you choose this career/your degrees?
My career at the museum began rather serendipitously. My undergraduate faculty adviser suggested an internship at Strong to get some experience in the field. I loved the work and a year later I was offered a position as a curatorial assistant.
What’s been your biggest career hurdle?
Returning to school as an adult student — switching up my career focus completely — was an incredible challenge. Going from active duty in the Army in Bosnia to taking college classes again was a difficult transition at first. The history program at Brockport was deeply enriching, but time management was certainly an issue. I completed most of my graduate-school studies while working full time and serving in the reserves, including a 20-month mobilization on active duty.
What advice have you gotten in the past that has helped guide your career?
Don’t settle for anything less than your full potential; always keep looking to take yourself to the next level. And in all that you do, remember integrity is the key leadership characteristic.
What advice would you give to other young professionals?
It’s through adversity that one gets stronger. If you stay in your comfort zone and don’t push the limits of you talents and abilities, you will never grow and thrive. See where it is you want to be, figure out how to get there and set off towards your goal with all your passion and energy. How you overcome challenges is what defines your character.
Leah Stacy is a freelance writer from Rochester.
Eric Paul Wheeler
Associate curator, Strong National Museum of Play
Age: 37
Residence: Brighton
Family: Married with young children
Education: Associate’s in liberal arts and sciences from Monroe Community College, bachelor’s in history from SUNY Brockport, master’s in American history from SUNY Brockport
