The Bartholomew County Historical Society (BCHS) will be seeing new leadership when Meghan Smith takes over for long-time Executive Director Diane Robbins.
Earlier this year, Robbins stepped down from her role as executive director at the BCHS. Her successor, Smith, comes from a background in museum cultivation after working for nearly 15 years at the Indiana State Museum in the Conservation Lab.
Smith describes herself as a public historian, writer and museum professional with more than two decades of experience. She specializes in public history, American history, conservation, costume history and mannequin dressing and construction.
The historical society’s executive director oversees daily operations, staff; manages financial and development initiatives; directs educational, cultural, and community programs; and builds partnerships that strengthen the historical society’s role as a vital community resource, according to the role’s job description.
Smith will be overseeing day-to-day management of facilities, collections, and exhibits and the design and delivery of educational programs, public lectures, and exhibits.
According to its website, “the mission of the Bartholomew County Historical Society is to discover, collect, preserve and share the history of Bartholomew County for the enrichment of present and future generations.”
With her history in conservation, Smith is prepared to fulfill that mission and fill Robbins’ shoes.
Transitioning into BCHS’s executive director role has given Smith more opportunities to challenge herself and grow professionally. She said she has more options in this smaller museum setting than in her role at the Indiana State Museum.
Smith hinted at some new changes coming up at the historical society, but past favorite events will still remain.
According to Smith, Bartholomew County has a fascinating mixture of “traditional Indiana history” and newer ideas seen in the 20th century like the importance of architecture to the community.
“It’s always important to know your history,” Smith said. “There’s always something new to learn. There are unseen histories all around us and secret treasures to uncover in your small town museums.”
Smith likened history to the art of storytelling.
“Storytelling is part of the human experience. History is just how we tell our town’s history to others.”
Smith encourages anyone interested in learning more about Bartholomew County or Columbus to check out the historical society or look into becoming a volunteer.
