Garrett Gray
Wilmington,NC
Summary
Emerging public historian with expertise in archival research, digital history, and community engagement. Passionate about preserving underrepresented histories, presenting accurate and unbiased interpretations, and designing educational programming that inspires historical curiosity and civic awareness. Committed to ensuring the public has access to trustworthy, well-researched historical narratives so that people can learn and engage with good history. Actively seeking roles in museums, archives, cultural institutions, or public humanities initiatives.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Digital History Lab Student Worker
UNC Wilmington – Digital Initiatives Lab
Wilmington, NC
08.2024 - Current
- Conduct archival scanning and create metadata for historical documents.
- Process Wilmington city council minutes (1800s–2000s).
- Collaborate on People Not Property project, digitizing and interpreting 19th-century slave transaction records to create a publicly accessible online database.
- Support additional digital preservation projects and public history initiatives through December 2025.
Capstone Project – Exhibit Director
UNCW Museum Studies Program
Wilmington, NC
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Led a team of students in developing a full museum exhibit on the history of Wilmington’s beaches.
- Oversaw the full curatorial process: research, artifact curation, exhibit design, interpretation, and installation.
Public History Lab Student Worker
UNC Wilmington – Dept. of History
Wilmington, NC
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Assists with the management of artifact and document collections for the History Department.
- Support students working on public history projects with scanning, metadata entry, and project planning.
- Maintain lab resources and help facilitate digital preservation efforts.
Graduate Teaching Assistant (History Department)
UNC Wilmington
Wilmington, NC
08.2023 - 05.2025
- Led various discussions and supported instruction in undergraduate history courses.
- Graded assignments, facilitated research skill development, and provided office hours for academic support.
Educational Programming Intern
Fort Fisher Historic Site
Carolina Beach, NC
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Designed and implemented engaging K–12 educational programming.
- Created hands-on activities to promote interest in Civil War history.
- Collaborated with museum staff on outreach and interpretation.
Digitization Technician
Southern Utah University – Special Collections Department
Cedar City, UT
09.2022 - 07.2023
- Digitized thousands of historical documents and photographs related to SUU's history.
- Transferred VHS historical records to MP4 files and cataloged them into special collections.
- Cataloged new books and records, assigning record numbers and metadata.
- Prepared and organized personal artifacts donated by alumni, faculty, and community members.
- Produced photos and videos for SUU President Mindy Benson’s inauguration presentations.
- Digitized and organized records documenting Governor Mike Leavitt’s EPA service (2003–2005).
- Assisted a fellow student on his capstone, where we conducted oral history interviews with local alumni documenting the history of Southern Utah University's student leadership.
Curator’s Assistant & Park Ranger Aide
Utah Dept. of Natural Resources – Frontier Homestead State Park & Museum
Cedar City, UT
06.2022 - 07.2023
- Managed artifact accessions, including examination, dating, condition reporting, cataloging, and storage/display.
- Curated exhibits showcasing local history and cultural heritage.
- Developed educational materials for school programs and tours.
- Tracked attendance, supervised volunteers and greeted guests at museum events.
Student Research Assistant
Historic Wilmington Foundation
Wilmington, NC
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Conducted historical research on historic Wilmington properties.
- Prepared approved documentation for heritage plaques to be installed on historically significant homes.
Executive Council Member / Fellow
Southern Utah University – The Leavitt Center for Politics & Public Service
Cedar City, UT
09.2020 - 01.2022
- Organized and moderated student discussions on political and civic topics.
- Maintained weekly office hours to greet visitors, answer questions, and direct inquiries.
- Planned and scheduled visits from state and local officials, organizing Q&A sessions and community events.
- Coordinated and managed political debates for state, local, and student elections.
- Participated in community service initiatives with Center members.
Education
MA - History (Public History Concentration)
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
Wilmington, NC12.2025
BA - History
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT04.2023
Skills
- Digital Tools: Experienced with OMEKA, ArcGIS StoryMaps, PastPerfect, FOSSE
- Digitization & Metadata: Proficient in archival scanning, metadata creation, and digital preservation
- Public History: Skilled in exhibit design, educational programming, and community interpretation
- Research: Academic and primary source analysis; genealogical research using FamilySearch, census records, and property databases; historical documentation and narrative building
- Soft Skills: Team leadership, public engagement, student mentoring
Languages
Spanish: Highly proficient in speaking and writing
References
- Tara, White, Doctor, whitet@uncw.edu, UNCW
- Julius, Jones, Doctor, jonesjla@uncw.edu, UNCW
- Jennifer, Le Zotte, Doctor, lezottej@uncw.edu, UNCW
- Allison, O'Keeffe, okeeffea@uncw.edu, UNCW
Timeline
Capstone Project – Exhibit Director
UNCW Museum Studies Program
01.2025 - 05.2025
Digital History Lab Student Worker
UNC Wilmington – Digital Initiatives Lab
08.2024 - Current
Public History Lab Student Worker
UNC Wilmington – Dept. of History
08.2024 - 05.2025
Educational Programming Intern
Fort Fisher Historic Site
01.2024 - 05.2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant (History Department)
UNC Wilmington
08.2023 - 05.2025
Student Research Assistant
Historic Wilmington Foundation
01.2023 - 05.2023
Digitization Technician
Southern Utah University – Special Collections Department
09.2022 - 07.2023
Curator’s Assistant & Park Ranger Aide
Utah Dept. of Natural Resources – Frontier Homestead State Park & Museum
06.2022 - 07.2023
Executive Council Member / Fellow
Southern Utah University – The Leavitt Center for Politics & Public Service
09.2020 - 01.2022
MA - History (Public History Concentration)
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
BA - History
Southern Utah University
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