Ryan Smith
Bremen
Summary
Detail-oriented architectural historian and preservation planner with extensive experience in digital mapping, field surveying, and historical property assessments. Proficient in research methodologies, database management, and collaboration with local organizations. Strong communication and analytical skills complement a passion for preserving cultural heritage. Committed to contributing to impactful historical initiatives and enhancing public engagement with history. Based in Bremen, Georgia, I bring a unique perspective and passion to historical preservation.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Front Desk Agent
Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites
Villa Rica
11.2023 - Current
- Greeted guests warmly upon arrival at the hotel.
- Managed check-in and check-out processes efficiently.
- Answered guest inquiries regarding hotel services and local attractions.
- Coordinated room assignments and maintained accurate reservations.
- Handled guest complaints with professionalism and empathy.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of the front desk area.
- Collaborated with housekeeping to ensure timely room readiness.
Architectural Historian Intern
VHB
Atlanta
09.2025 - 04.2026
- Conducted digital mapping for various GDOT/GTC projects, enhancing spatial awareness of historical properties.
- Engaged in field surveys to evaluate adverse effects on historically eligible properties and performed Section 106 verification to ensure compliance with preservation standards.
- Developed detailed mapping documentation for project stakeholders.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess project impacts.
- Provided recommendations for preserving historical integrity during project planning.
Graduate Research Assistant
Georgia Trust for Historical Preservation
Atlanta
06.2025 - 07.2025
- Updated and maintained the Places in Peril database to identify at-risk historical sites.
- Conducted comprehensive easement evaluations on historical properties and forged partnerships with local stakeholders to achieve preservation objectives.
- Facilitated community outreach programs to raise awareness on historical preservation.
- Assisted in organizing educational workshops for local organizations.
- Contributed to project reports that informed strategic planning.
Graduate Research Assistant
The Breman Museum and Cultural Center
Atlanta
01.2025 - 04.2025
- Supported the creation of an online tour via ArcGIS encompassing historic Jewish sites in Atlanta that were present in the early 20th century, primarily Jewish-owned business in Downtown Atlanta.
- Performed research using the museum archives and other research sources.
- Conducted oral interviews that are stored in the museum archives along with transcribing and indexing interviews into Metadata.
Interpretive Intern
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
Beaufort
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Researched possible historical sites or buildings to add to the National Park Service’s Reconstruction Era National Historic Network.
- Helped construct lesson plans for incoming school groups, assisted NPS with community events, and wrote articles for social media, primarily on Facebook, about historical sites, particularly noting Exoduster communities that sprung up in Kansas during the 1870s and 1880s.
Paid Internship
Atlanta Preservation Center
Atlanta
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Sorted and compiled condition reports for historical collections donated to the organization.
- Reviewed and provided guidance to state or local undertakings to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
GLIP Internship
Georgia General Assembly, House Media Services
Atlanta
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Operated the multi-camera console to record and stream House committee meetings and regularly uploaded these recorded committee meetings onto Vimeo for public viewing.
- Help organize committee meetings from previous legislative sessions, and these can be found on the House Media Service YouTube Channel.
- Conducted media services on the House floor during session, primarily operating the microphone and projector systems.
Undergraduate Research Assistant and Peer Tutor
University of West Georgia
Carrollton
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Constructed tutoring sessions using various study skills, such as the Cornell note-taking method, prep for upcoming tests, and manage one's time effectively.
- I also worked as a research assistant at The Center for Public History at the University of West Georgia.
Front Desk Agent
Hampton Inn
Bremen
05.2018 - 12.2022
- Processed guest payments and balance reports, reconcile the cash drawers at the front desk, and prepare invoices for the following day.
- Ensured guests' needs were fully met and resolved any issues that guests may have with their rooms or payment.
Education
Masters - Heritage Preservation, Cultural Resource Management
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA05-2026
Bachelor of Arts - HISTORY, POLITICAL SCIENCE
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA12-2023
Skills
- Data Management
- Record Management
- Historical Research
- Data Analysis
- Community Engagement
- Project Management
- Project Planning
- Collaboration
- Digitalization
- Social media management
- Digital mapping
- Cultural resource management
- Historical preservation
- Educational program development
- Data analytics
Personal Information
Title: Historian
Volunteer Experience
- Social Media Coordinator and Campus Liaison, Moving Forward, 04/01/19, 11/30/20, Assisted numerous candidates create Facebook or Twitter profiles promoting their campaigns for local office., Spearheaded the promotion of 'Moving Forward' on Facebook and Twitter.
- Volunteer and Event Coordinator, NAACP, Carroll County Chapter, 02/01/19, 11/30/20, Helped organize and coordinate local events with other affiliated organizations.
- Volunteer, Carroll County GA Democrats, 10/01/18, 11/30/20, Worked as a canvasser for local Democratic Party candidates., Printed out flyers advertising our monthly meetings and posted them around Carroll County.
Areas Of Expertise
Expert, Expert, Expert, Expert, Expert, Expert, Expert, Expert, Expert, Expert
Preferred Salary
$60,000-85,000
Timeline
Architectural Historian Intern
VHB
09.2025 - 04.2026
Graduate Research Assistant
Georgia Trust for Historical Preservation
06.2025 - 07.2025
Graduate Research Assistant
The Breman Museum and Cultural Center
01.2025 - 04.2025
Front Desk Agent
Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites
11.2023 - Current
Interpretive Intern
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
05.2023 - 07.2023
Paid Internship
Atlanta Preservation Center
05.2023 - 07.2023
GLIP Internship
Georgia General Assembly, House Media Services
01.2022 - 12.2022
Undergraduate Research Assistant and Peer Tutor
University of West Georgia
01.2021 - 12.2022
Front Desk Agent
Hampton Inn
05.2018 - 12.2022
Masters - Heritage Preservation, Cultural Resource Management
Georgia State University
Bachelor of Arts - HISTORY, POLITICAL SCIENCE
University of West Georgia