Melanie S. Email & Phone Number

My passion for the past has led me to a career in Public History and Museum leadership. I hold an ALM in Museum Studies from Harvard University, and a BA in American Literature and History from Plymouth State University. Courses in Education, Cultural Property, Nonprofit Management and Historic Preservation and over 20 years of independent history research undergird my work.From 2016-2020 I served on the Board of Directors of the 501(c)3 Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy & Research Association, where I held leadership positions of Conference Co-Chair and Merchandise Chair and served on Finance, Nominations, and Bylaws committees. Since 2010, I have presented over 250 public history programs at academic conferences, libraries, historical societies, museums, schools, and community events in nine states to overwhelmingly positive response. Topics span Historical Interpretation, Living History, professionalization for small museums, and my extensive research on the Ingalls and Wilder families’ migration and activities. Throughout my travels I work to boost visitation and encourage financial support of those nonprofit sites that have so graciously hosted my work.In my solo venture, Meet Laura Ingalls Wilder, I present thoroughly researched public history programs, often in the c.1900 persona of the globally popular and controversial author. Within the context of Wilder’s work and experiences, I present an unscripted, interactive program that does not shy away from tackling primary issues of racism and settler colonialism within Wilder’s writing and that which is inherent in the wider topics of American colonization, “Manifest Destiny,” and 19th century westward migration.As a public historian, I endeavor to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and to expand understanding of the past as it relates with the present. As a management leader, I seek and encourage meaningful interactions that prioritize equity and accessibility in all aspects of the visitor experience and institutional culture writ large.My current research, a monograph in progress, traces activities and migration of 8 generations of the Ingalls family from settlement c.1628 in Massachusetts to New York c.1845. My passion for research is equalled only by my love for small museums and historical societies that strive to tell a more complete and inclusive history.

• Interdisciplinary Public Historian And Owner

  Liw In Context And Dakota Yankee Research/Meet Laura Ingalls Wilder, Llc

  Boston, Ma, Us