Professional Philosophy

       As an educator and preservationist of North American history, my responsibility is to maintain a truthful and accessible means of engaging the public with historical records from our past. My professional philosophy is that archives are more than just a place that stores documents, but a place that holds cultural heritage, physical connections to families and individuals, events, and movements that have shaped history and society as we know it today. I believe that the preservation of its sources is essential not only for maintaining a collective memory of them but also for ensuring that the knowledge remains accessible to the public. This can be further enhanced with technological advances that enable the digitization of collections, allowing more people to view them without the need for physical visits and continue to learn from them.

       I am highly committed to inclusivity, as it is essential not to exclude any narratives, since no single American group truly owns its entire history. There have been numerous voices and histories that have been overlooked in the past. By preserving these materials, more people will gain a sense of their identity and understand how they have fit into society throughout the years, especially during their own lives. Many may think that the archives are exclusive to scholars, but reaching out to a broader group of people can empower individuals to engage with their stories. I strive to have a complete story told to better understand the relationships within an extensive and complicated shared history.

       Collaboration also plays a key role in both preservation and outreach aspects of this field. It takes partnerships with other educators, local organizations, and, very importantly, community members with whom I interact, who are willing to share their stories and artifacts for safekeeping in collections. It also relies on the hard work of volunteers who transcribe documents, making it much easier for archivists to search for documents to assist researchers, as well as for public viewing.

       Through my college education and experience, I developed a strong passion for engaging with the public and local communities. Pieces of the puzzle come together when history is told through people who know their connection to it and passing it down to future generations, while also having interpretations of the past. Public outreach is a fundamental part of my philosophy, as it allows history to become more than just records on worn-out pages or grainy photographs; it is alive in these interactive experiences. Whether through educational programs or exhibitions, I plan to make historical materials accessible and relevant to the communities that rely on them and can personally benefit from archival information.

       Ultimately, my work as an archivist is driven by a commitment to preserving the past, its people, and the events that have shaped it, ensuring that these records continue to inform and inspire future generations. I view this role as a caretaker of historical records and a communicator, helping to engage the public in understanding our history so that it remains at the forefront of our culture.