Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
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Barbara Spence Orsolits PhD

Barbara Spence Orsolits PhD

Smyrna,GA

Summary

Dynamic educator with a proven track record at the National Park Service, excelling in relationship building and classroom management. Enhanced student learning through innovative curriculum development and interdisciplinary projects. Skilled in problem-solving and fostering inclusive environments, ensuring all students thrive in their educational journeys.

Overview

48
48
years of professional experience

Work History

Educator and Docent

National Park Service
01.2025 - Current
  • Built relationships and communicated with parents to provide best learning environment for children.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop and revise curriculum, enhancing learning experience.
  • Implemented classroom management techniques that fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, enhancing student learning through interdisciplinary connections.
  • Collaborated with adults and children to provide safe and educational experience.
  • Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction to meet individual needs.

Museum Docent

Delta Airlines Flight Museum
09.2024 - 03.2025
  • Contributed to a positive learning environment by answering visitor questions and providing additional context when needed.
  • Evaluated visitor feedback to continuously improve tour quality and relevance to audience interests.
  • Assisted in the development of marketing materials that highlighted key aspects of exhibits or programs to attract potential visitors.
  • Promoted cross-departmental collaboration through regular communication with fellow docents, curators, and other staff members.
  • Monitored gallery spaces during tours, ensuring visitor safety and adherence to museum policies while maintaining a welcoming environment.
  • Conducted thorough research on exhibit artifacts, enhancing accuracy in tour presentations.

Docent

Carlos Museum, Emory University
08.2023 - 09.2024
  • Collaborated with museum staff to create interactive exhibits and educational materials.
  • Conducted thorough research on exhibit content to ensure accurate and up-to-date information was delivered during tours.
  • Enhanced visitor experience by providing engaging and informative guided tours.
  • Assisted in the planning and execution of special events, increasing community engagement.
  • Participated in ongoing training sessions to stay current on museum policies, procedures, and exhibit updates.
  • Implemented effective crowd control strategies during high-traffic periods to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors.

Assistant Archivist

Atlanta History Center
10.2022 - 05.2023
  • Collaborated with other archive staff to develop efficient workflows, ensuring the timely completion of projects.
  • Maintained accurate records of all incoming donations, acknowledging donors promptly with personalized appreciation letters.
  • Evaluated potential acquisitions for relevance and condition, ensuring only valuable materials were added to the collection.
  • Developed outreach programs to engage local communities with the history preserved in the archives.
  • Implemented a preservation plan, assessing the condition of materials and prioritizing conservation efforts accordingly.

Assistant Archivist

Breman Museum and Jewish Cultural Center
08.2021 - 10.2022
  • Managed volunteers effectively by assigning appropriate tasks based on skills while providing support and guidance as needed.
  • Collaborated with other archive staff to develop efficient workflows, ensuring the timely completion of projects.
  • Enhanced archival organization by meticulously cataloging and labeling historical documents.
  • Preserved delicate materials with specialized storage techniques to ensure long-term stability.

Flight Attendant and Purser

Delta Airlines
11.1977 - 01.2019
  • Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability amidst schedule changes, delays, or challenging situations while maintaining a positive attitude.
  • Maintained a safe cabin environment by conducting pre-flight safety checks and adhering to FAA regulations.
  • Handled medical emergencies calmly and competently following established protocols while liaising with the cockpit crew as needed.
  • Enhanced passenger satisfaction by providing exceptional in-flight service and addressing individual needs.
  • Collaborated with fellow crew members to deliver a seamless travel experience for passengers on domestic and international flights.
  • Participated in regular training sessions to stay current on industry trends, evolving company policies, safety procedures, and customer service strategies.
  • Contributed to company success by consistently achieving high performance ratings for customer service, teamwork, and punctuality.
  • Promoted brand reputation by exhibiting professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness in every interaction with customers.

Graduate Research Assistant

Dr. Eugene Genovese
08.2010 - 09.2012
  • Participated in regular meetings with project supervisors, providing progress updates and discussing potential challenges or areas for improvement.
  • Enhanced research quality by conducting thorough literature reviews and synthesizing findings.
  • Planned, modified and executed research techniques, procedures and tests.

Graduate Research Assistant Loutrel Briggs History

Georgia State University
06.2003 - 12.2003
  • Participated in regular meetings with project supervisors, providing progress updates and discussing potential challenges or areas for improvement.
  • Designed surveys and interview protocols for primary data collection, ensuring accurate representation of target populations.
  • Assisted in manuscript preparation, contributing to the publication of influential articles in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to high-quality standards.

Education

Graduate Certificate - Ethical Provence And Art And Antiquities Crimes

The American University of Rome
Rome, Italy
06-2024

Ph.D. - Archives And History

Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
12-2019

Graduate Certificate - UNESCO - Risk Management: Museums And Glam.

University of Padova
Padua, Italy
04-2024

Post-Graduate Certificate - Security And Cultural Heritage Venues

The American University of Rome
Rome, Italy
11-2023

Graduate Certificate - Mastering Oral History

The Global Institute For Research And Education
Amsterdam, Netherlands
07-2022

Graduate Certificate - Archives Administration

The Georgia Archives Institute
Atlanta, GA
06-2021

Master of Arts - Heritage Preservation, Public History And Archives

Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
05-2004

Bachelor of Arts - American History And Business

Indiana University, Bloomington
Bloomington, IN
05-1977

Skills

  • Problem-solving
  • Team collaboration
  • Relationship building
  • Classroom management
  • Lesson planning
  • Time management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Cultural awareness

Affiliations

  • American Institue of Archaeology 2007-Present
  • The British Museum 2020-Present
  • Georgia Historical Association 2005-Present
  • Society of American Archivists
  • National Cpuncil of Public History 2005-Present
  • The National Trust for Historic Preservation Forum
  • American Institute for Conservation 2021- Present
  • American Alliance of Museums 2022-Present
  • ICOM International Conference of Museums United States 2022-Present

Timeline

Educator and Docent

National Park Service
01.2025 - Current

Museum Docent

Delta Airlines Flight Museum
09.2024 - 03.2025

Docent

Carlos Museum, Emory University
08.2023 - 09.2024

Assistant Archivist

Atlanta History Center
10.2022 - 05.2023

Assistant Archivist

Breman Museum and Jewish Cultural Center
08.2021 - 10.2022

Graduate Research Assistant

Dr. Eugene Genovese
08.2010 - 09.2012

Graduate Research Assistant Loutrel Briggs History

Georgia State University
06.2003 - 12.2003

Flight Attendant and Purser

Delta Airlines
11.1977 - 01.2019

Graduate Certificate - Ethical Provence And Art And Antiquities Crimes

The American University of Rome

Ph.D. - Archives And History

Georgia State University

Graduate Certificate - UNESCO - Risk Management: Museums And Glam.

University of Padova

Post-Graduate Certificate - Security And Cultural Heritage Venues

The American University of Rome

Graduate Certificate - Mastering Oral History

The Global Institute For Research And Education

Graduate Certificate - Archives Administration

The Georgia Archives Institute

Master of Arts - Heritage Preservation, Public History And Archives

Georgia State University

Bachelor of Arts - American History And Business

Indiana University, Bloomington