What is your position? I am the oral historian at the Special Collections Research Center. I work with students, faculty, alumni, and community members to record histories of Virginia. I love getting to be a bridge between all of those groups. In a typical week, I might host an oral history workshop, record an interview with a community member, research local history, and work on video & audio production! It’s a fast-paced job that allows me to meet all sorts of interesting people.
Background? I grew up in Northern Virginia, but I have lived in D.C., Charlottesville, Richmond, and Boston. My wife, Kajsa, and I just welcomed a baby girl in November. We’re so excited to settle in Williamsburg. Please send us recommendations for parks, restaurants, playgrounds, and other kid-friendly things to do!
Where did you study? I earned my doctorate from the University of Virginia, where I focused on histories of slavery in 19th century Virginia. I discovered that I really enjoy combining academic history with public history—things like working at historic sites, partnering with community groups for oral history, and writing history for a general audience. Since then, I’ve held postdoctoral fellowships in public history at Virginia Commonwealth University and Tufts University.
Why W&M? As a young history nerd growing up in Virginia, William & Mary has always had a special place in my heart. It is a rare opportunity to work at a college and live in a community that values history so highly. I’m excited to help explore some of the lesser-known stories of the people and communities that have shaped Williamsburg.
I’ve also come to appreciate how amazing the team at Swem Library is. There is so much positive energy and a wide breadth of knowledge in this building. I have worked at many wonderful institutions, but I have never seen an entire library staff so integrated into a university’s teaching mission.
Fun Facts: My family is international. My wife is from Sweden, and it’s been a fun adventure blending our family traditions. We try to visit as often as we can. I actually wrote most of my dissertation living with her in Lund, given that COVID had shut down my university. We are looking forward to showing our daughter all around her other home country!
Most frequently checked out library book: I have a stack of books checked out that cover local history and the history of William & Mary. I’ve got 333 years of W&M history to brush up on! For fun, I usually read a work of literature, a fun mystery or historical fiction novel, and then an interesting non-fiction book – and then start the cycle all over again. If it’s been a busy month, an extra mystery novel might slip in there!
Listening to right now: Bruce Springsteen. When my baby gets fussy, you can find me bouncing on the yoga ball and belting out “Spirit in the Night” or “The Promised Land.” I have a terrible voice, but it seems to calm her down!