Hometown: Carlyle, IL

Current Location: Waukegan, IL

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue your current career path?

Growing up I always had family near Springfield. We went to every Lincoln site there was, both in Springfield and nationwide. I was even at the opening of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum with my grandparents when I was a kid, and I got to see Senator Obama and President Bush. I grew up loving history, and anytime we traveled we always saw multiple museums. I initially thought I would go into secondary education as an English teacher, but I quickly realized I wanted to help work on the museums I so deeply loved after I spent a summer volunteering at the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield. It was then I changed my major and realized that was the correct path for me. I worked at several museums while I lived in Springfield, including the Sangamon Experience at UIS, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It was very full circle when I got to work as a GPSI in the research division there. And it was due to all my wonderful mentors along the way that I had accumulated the skills needed for my current position.

Who or what has been your biggest influence or mentor in your journey?

I’ve had a few of them! I would say my grandparents were hugely impactful, the entire UIS history department were so unparalleled in their support for me, and my coworkers at the ALPLM are still wonderful and have become close friends for me.

What are your goals and aspirations for the future?

I’m actually already kind of living the dream. I thought I would want to maybe move on in a decade to a bigger museum, and I still might, but honestly, I love my current job. I get to write exhibits, plan community events, and engage the public in history they might not otherwise encounter. I would love to write more, but I’m pretty thrilled with where I’ve landed.

What advice would you give to others who are looking to advance and make a difference in their field?

I think my number one piece of advice is make connections. Being kind and curious about your field to others in it gets you so far. Being able to get to know people and contact them for questions or help has been endlessly helpful, so I highly suggest making friends where you can and making the best first impression that you can. You never know how it will help along the way.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time that helps you stay inspired and motivated?

I read a lot. And go to a lot of author signings. I run an instagram page all about the books I’m reading. It has actually helped quite a bit in coming up with ideas, or figuring out who or what to talk about in an exhibit. It’s also helped find friends and collaborators because we have an AuthorFest at the museum I work at that started since I’ve been there. I also came up with a program series where we focus on a culturally significant book and then bring in a historian to explain the historic context around when and why that book was written. It’s been really successful and a great way to connect people who don’t usually come to history museums with history through literature.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Never be afraid to ask for help. There are thousands of people in your field ready to share their knowledge and many want to help those who are working their way up through the early stages of their career. History is happening every day, and it takes a small army to be able to tell it correctly, so be sure to lean on your friends and coworkers when you can.