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
Kennesaw National Battlefield Park
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
Atlanta, GA
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
Atlanta, GA
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
Atlanta, GA
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
Atlanta, GA
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
Atlanta, GA
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
Atlanta, Georgia
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
Atlanta, GA
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, Italy06-2024
Ph.D. - Archives And History
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA12-2019
Graduate Certificate - UNESCO - Risk Management: Museums And Glam.
University of Padova
Padua, Italy04-2024
Post-Graduate Certificate - Security And Cultural Heritage Venues
The American University of Rome
Rome, Italy11-2023
Graduate Certificate - Mastering Oral History
The Global Institute For Research And Education
Amsterdam, Netherlands07-2022
Graduate Certificate - Archives Administration
The Georgia Archives Institute
Atlanta, GA06-2021
Master of Arts - Heritage Preservation, Public History And Archives
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA05-2004
Bachelor of Arts - American History And Business
Indiana University, Bloomington
Bloomington, IN05-1977
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