Amanda Williams is Education Manager at the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia. She finished her M.A. degree at ODU in 2008.
What do you enjoy the most about your current work right now?
I enjoy the fact that my days are never the same! I have the freedom to explore history and the platform to make this information accessible to others. Some days I am presenting programs, other days I am helping to produce a film, or interviewing a scholar for a podcast episode. It is very rewarding. Technology is also changing how people experience museums and access history. This is a big challenge for museums - but also a great opportunity! I enjoy navigating these changes to better serve wider audi ences.
What skills and intellectual experiences did you acquire in the M.A. program at ODU that have served you well in your subsequent career?
In the MA Program at ODU, I refined critical thinking skills and learned to take a more interdisciplinary approach to research projects. The department also made it easy to network with current and past ODU students. Many of these graduates are now my colleagues and we frequently collaborate on projects.
Which professors do you remember and why from the Department of History at Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University?
I remember them all! I learned a great deal from all of them, but Dr. Hametz was my thesis advisor. She was very supportive of my research and her classes always challenged me to consider different perspectives.
What new areas of historical and/or academic inquiry have you explored since leaving ODU?
Since leaving ODU, I have expanded my focus to military history and intelligence studies. With the help of local educators, I ha ve also gained greater knowledge of education practice and theory.
What challenges do you routinely face in your work at the MacArthur Memorial? What are the special challenges and rewards of work in Public History?
Most small to medium sized museums are pretty lean in terms of staff. I may be a historian with the title "Education Manager," but like many of my colleagues in the field of public history, I wear many hats. People tend to assume we are all full -time historians, but in reality, we spend a lot of time learning to manage websites, create marketing materials, fundraise, deal with building maintenance, etc. It is worth it though! People who work in public history also deal with controversies and the changing tide of public opinion. The MacArthur Memorial is no different. General Douglas MacArthur is a controversial figure - loved by some, hated by some. Visitors and scholars constantly debate his legacy. Some people do not want to work at a place where the debate never ends. I lo ve this challenge though - it helps me be a better, more disciplined historian. The reward is that I am comfortable moderating, presenting and investigating controversy. People often wonder what role historians play in public debates. Like my colleagues, my goal is to be a sober, thoughtful voice in these debates.