I am honored to share that earlier this summer Wake Forest Provost Michele Gillespie invited me to consider taking on the role of Executive Director of the Wake Forest Historical Museum. While this may seem like an unexpected pairing at first glance, in many ways, it is a natural and meaningful fit.

As Director of Special Collections & Archives (SCA), I bring a wealth of experience and a collaborative spirit that I believe will strengthen both institutions. I’d like to share a few core areas where I see strong potential for growth and impact:

Stewardship

The Museum deserves sustainable and visionary stewardship—someone committed to integrating it more fully into the broader Wake Forest historical experience.

Curatorial and Administrative Expertise

With 35 years as an archivist and 27 years as an administrator, I’ve led efforts that preserve and provide access to both historical artifacts and the stories behind them. This role is about more than preserving objects—it’s about building a generational community connected through shared history.

Wake Forest Bicentennial

As part of our preparations for the University’s Bicentennial, this transition creates space to dedicate a position focused on:

  • Conducting oral histories and documenting WF
  • Outreach in Winston-Salem and Wake Forest
  • Overseeing and planning Bicentennial programming
  • Coordinating the University Timeline

Mentorship and Staff Development

Supporting and mentoring the Museum’s existing staff in Wake Forest will be one of my top priorities. Their professional growth is essential to the success of this transition.

ZSR Library Partnership – A Strong Foundation for Support

This new alignment with the ZSR Library also brings expanded opportunities:

  • Administrative Advocacy: I have full confidence in Dean Lauren Pressley’s leadership and advocacy for both the Library and the Museum, especially when it comes to resource allocation and institutional support
  • Collaborative Team Environment: The SCA team (10 full-time, 2 part-time, and student employees) already partners closely with Museum staff. Together, we’ll build a stronger, unified team across both locations, while both maintaining independence
  • Development and Fundraising: Joel Rivera, ZSR’s Assistant Development Director, will be collaborating with Dean Pressley, myself, and the Birthplace Society Foundation to provide strategic development support
  • Communications and Outreach: Our ZSR Communications Director and SCA Outreach Team are ready to amplify both the Museum’s message and also help tell the Wake Forest story to a broad and diverse audience
  • Financial Oversight: Veronica Escamilla-Brady, ZSR’s Business Manager, will ensure budget oversight and integration of Museum funding into the broader ZSR financial structure
  • Facilities and Long-Term Planning: Dean Pressley and I will be meeting with Facilities Head Chris Kiwus to explore a long-term facilities plan for the Wake Forest location
  • Special Collections & Archives (SCA) Continued Success: During the FY25, SCA answered 1,895 reference questions, hosted 2,207 students and visitors, and participated in outreach events where we reached 2,177 contacts. SCA currently holds 8,000 linear ft. of records and 600 objects documenting WF, in addition to hosting nearly 300 oral history interviews and 5 TB of digital content
  • Technology Resources: ZSR’s Technology Team will be available to support the Museum’s growing digital and operational needs, as well as potential partnerships for access

I’m truly excited about the possibilities this new partnership presents and look forward to working closely with all of you as we shape the future together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at scawfhm@wfu.edu if you have any questions or would like to connect further.

Warm regards, Tanya