Amanda Davis

• Adelinda Davis, ACA Productions, a.rose.davis@gmail.com, (801) 822-8380
• Christian Busath, Buck Wild Media, Cebusath79@gmail.com, (310) 384-8271
• Destinee Lancaster, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, destinee.m.miller@gmail.com, (801) 602-5908

• Museum Volunteer, Utah State University Museum of Anthropology
• Academic Recognition, Dean's Roll, Utah State University (2009)
• Leadership & Extracurricular Involvement, Marching Band Student Council, Eldorado High School
• Veteran Support, Provides scuba diving instruction to veterans with physical disabilities and PTSD as a therapeutic activity.
• Animal Welfare, Serves as a surrogate caregiver for orphaned kittens, providing bottle-feeding and rehabilitation.
• Elderly Care, Provides compassionate care and assistance to elderly individuals.

As a military brat, my childhood in Europe was a tapestry of historical sites—castles, battlefields, and museums. Yet, it was the living history museums that truly altered my perception of the past. They were not just repositories of artifacts, but portals to a living, breathing history. People ceased to be mere names in books; they were individuals who had lived, worked, and experienced the world just as we do.

The West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village in West Suffolk, England, was the catalyst for my career. The sights, sounds, and smells of that place ignited a passion within me. I knew then that I wanted to share this experience with others, to bring history to life for them. The joy of igniting that same spark in others, the realization that history is not just the past, but a part of who we are, is what drives me.

That passion led me to Utah State University, where I majored in Anthropology. My sister, who attended the same university, suggested I volunteer at the Anthropology Museum since I loved museums so much. I took her advice, and before long, I was informed that USU was launching a Museum Studies certificate program—just one credit shy of a minor. I immediately signed up.

Through the program, I helped create exhibits and managed museum marketing. After graduating in 2011, I officially applied for a job at the museum and was hired as the Assistant Curator. I quickly learned just how much work goes into running a museum. I did everything—from changing lightbulbs to dealing with carpet beetle infestations. I also served as the Senior Coordinator for the "Saturdays at the Museum" program, where I created engaging events like The Anthropology of Star Trek, Harry Potter Day, and Medieval Madness. I absolutely loved my job.

But life took me elsewhere when my husband found a job in another location.

I then became an Educational Presenter at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, traveling to every fourth-grade classroom in the state to teach about wetlands and the water cycle. We also visited first-grade classrooms to teach about rainforests—often bringing live animals with us to make learning more exciting. Beyond that, we led K-12 field trips at the aquarium and ran summer camps. Animals and education—a perfect combination.

Unfortunately, health issues forced me to leave that job. I became bedridden and unable to do much for a while.

As I slowly recovered, I started volunteering at museums again, assisting with education programs and exhibits. I also became a historical reenactor, specializing in 18th- and 19th-century history. The 18th century is my favorite. I run a field kitchen, cooking authentic recipes from the era. Watching visitors' eyes light up as they connect with the past makes it all worth it.

After my divorce, I took time to reflect on what I truly wanted—earning my master's degree. After extensive research, I discovered the University of Oklahoma's online Museum Studies program. It was exactly what I needed. I applied and got accepted, and within weeks, I was set to begin my studies in the fall. I have loved every moment of it. I'm now one step closer to my dream of becoming a curator.

I'm interning at Liberty Village in Hurricane, Utah, where they are building a 32-acre, 18th-century living history museum. I first heard about the project through reenactment friends, who had only caught whispers of its existence. Determined to learn more, I tracked down someone who knew the founder and immediately reached out. Now, I have the incredible honor of being part of this project—helping to bring history to life, just as I always dreamed.

Presentation Management, Customer Service, Event Representation, Research, Museum Volunteering, Animal Handling, Safe Diving Practices, Dive Crew Management, Classroom Management, Event Planning, Tour Guiding, Artifact Management, Cross-Cultural Studies, Working with Hands, Period Costumes, English Teaching, Childhood Development, Sewing Techniques, Dance Instruction, Photography, Zumba Instruction