Nina Elsas
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Museum and cultural heritage professional with experience in collections management, exhibition development, archival processing, and community-based public history. Skilled in research, interpretation, and nonprofit operations, with a strong commitment to cultural preservation and accessible storytelling. Seeking a role within a museum or cultural institution where I can contribute to collections care, curatorial projects, and public engagement initiatives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Curator & Co-Founder
The Patch Works Art & History Center
Atlanta, GA
01.2016 - Current
- Co-founded and secured 501(c)(3) status for a community-based museum dedicated to Cabbagetown’s cultural heritage.
- Oversees collections stewardship, including identification, cataloging, and documentation of artifacts using ArchivesSpace.
- Designs, updates, and interprets exhibitions; conducts historical research for displays, publications, and digital content.
- Writes and manages grants supporting conservation, preservation, technology, and educational initiatives.
- Coordinates external loans, partnerships, and collaborative projects with museums, archives, and cultural organizations.
- Develops and leads public programs including lectures, workshops, walking tours, and community events.
- Conducts oral history interviews and manages primary-source documentation.
- Produces newsletters, historical articles, and social-media content to enhance public engagement.
- Serves on the Historic Preservation and Land Use Committee; contributes to community planning discussions.
- Manages daily operations, budgeting, policy development, and board communication.
Archives Intern
Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA)
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Processed and organized the Rocio Rodriguez archival collection.
- Created detailed archival descriptions to improve researcher access.
- Selected, edited, and cataloged materials for exhibition and publication.
- Utilized PastPerfect to integrate images and metadata into the museum’s database.
Front Desk Associate
Eyeclectic Vision Source
Atlanta, GA
01.2022 - Current
- Administrative and client-service role demonstrating organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.
Clinical Research Coordinator I & II
Emory University Hospital System
Atlanta, GA
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Extensive research, documentation, and compliance experience; managed 20+ clinical trials and trained staff.
Education
M.A. - Museum Studies
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA01.2022
B.A. - Art History
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL01.2000
Skills
- Museum Collections & Cataloging
- Curatorial Research & Interpretation
- Exhibition Planning & Design
- Archival Processing & Documentation
- Public Programs & Community Outreach
- Nonprofit Fundraising & Grant Writing
- Collections Management Software (ArchivesSpace, PastPerfect)
- Oral history documentation
- Cultural Heritage Stewardship
Timeline
Archives Intern
Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA)
01.2022 - 07.2022
Front Desk Associate
Eyeclectic Vision Source
01.2022 - Current
Curator & Co-Founder
The Patch Works Art & History Center
01.2016 - Current
Clinical Research Coordinator I & II
Emory University Hospital System
01.2007 - 01.2015
B.A. - Art History
University of Florida
M.A. - Museum Studies
Kennesaw State University
GRANTS & FOUNDATION SUPPORT
- Microsoft Software Grant for Nonprofits (2021)
- Georgia Humanities Lecture Series Grant (2018)
- Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Neighborhood Fund (2018)
- Google Technology Grant for Nonprofits (2018)
- Georgia Music Foundation Grant (2019)
- Breman Foundation Technology Grant (2019)
- Foundation for Advancement in Conservation — CAP Grant (2019)
- Aderhold Family Foundation (2018)
TALKS & LECTURES
- WERD Radio Station - dates
- Peachtree Hills - dates
- GA Tech - dates
WALKING TOURS
- The Patch Works Art & History Walking Tours
- Jane's Walk
- Phoenix Flies Tours featuring Fulton Bag & Cotton Mills (Cabbagetown, Atlanta) and StuioPlex On Auburn (Old 4th Ward)
COMMUNITY BUILDING
- The Cabbagetown O'Games
- Cabbagetown Reunion Festival
PUBLICATIONS & RECOGNITION
- The Rehabilitation of Fulton Bag & Cotton Mills: A Case for A Unique Public History Site and Open-Air Museum (2022)
- Poor Handgrip Strength and Outcomes in Heart Failure, American Heart Association (2013)
- Multiple awards for clinical research enrollment and performance (2009–2011)