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Middle Tennessee State University | Chicago, IL | Public Historian, Archivist, Collections Manager
Welcome!
I’m Shelby Walker, a Public Historian committed to preserving and interpreting the past through archival processing, collections management, interpretive plans, and exhibit curation. With hands-on work experience in museums, research centers, and government archives — I am passionate about blending meticulous preservation techniques with public engagement to ensure historical materials remain accessible and meaningful. I strive to bridge the gap between collections and communities, helping cultural institutions protect their legacies while fostering deeper connections to history.
This website serves as both a graduate portfolio and a professional showcase of my work in public history. Created as part of my master’s program requirements at Middle Tennessee State University, it highlights my research, hands-on archival and museum experiences, and key projects.
Core Skills:
Core Skills:
Archival processing, preservation, and digitization (hydration, encapsulation, metadata entry)
Exhibit curation and interpretive planning
Collections assessment, inventory creation, and cataloging
Public engagement, outreach, and content development
Project management and preservation planning
Research and analysis of material culture, manuscripts, and public records
Professional Competencies:
Professional Competencies:
This portfolio highlights three key professional skill domains essential to public history work:
Research and Analysis/Assessment/Interpretation: The ability to conduct historical research, assess collections, and interpret materials to enhance accessibility and understanding. This includes archival processing, collections evaluation, and preservation planning.
Communication/Presentation: The skills to engage audiences through exhibit curation, interpretive planning, and public outreach. Effective storytelling and clear communication ensure historical narratives are accessible and meaningful.
Technical and Specialized Research Techniques: Hands-on expertise in archival preservation, digitization, and collection management. Combining traditional methods with modern technologies ensures materials are safeguarded and accessible for future generations.
These domains showcase my ability to preserve, interpret, and share history in professional archival and museum settings.
References:
References:
Dr. Louis Kyriakoudes
Albert Gore Research Center Director
Email: Louis.Kyriakoudes@mtsu.edu
Phone: (615) 898-2633
Dr. John Lodl
Rutherford County Archives Director
Email: jlodl@rutherfordcountytn.gov
Phone: (615) 867-4609 x3807
Dr. Carroll Van West
MTSU Center of Historic Preservation Director and Tennessee State Historian
Email: Carroll.West@mtsu.edu
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