Ashley Rose Young

About Ashley Rose Young

I’m a public historian and curator dedicated to bringing history to life through storytelling, research, and public engagement. In my current role as Curator of American History in the Rare Book & Special Collections Division at the Library of Congress, I have the extraordinary opportunity to steward and interpret one of the world’s most significant collections of rare books and manuscripts related to American life.As an expert in American food history, I explore the cultural, political, and social forces that have shaped how and what we eat. My work often focuses on food as a lens for understanding broader historical narratives—from the formation of local economies to the resilience of community identity. My first book, Nourishing Networks: The Public Culture of Food in New Orleans will be published October 31, 2025 with Oxford University Press.Whether through exhibitions, writing, or live public events, I strive to surface compelling narratives—especially those too often left out of conventional historical accounts. I’m passionate about helping people make sense of the present by engaging with the past—and about mentoring the next generation of public historians along the way.I also continue my work with the Smithsonian as a Research Associate at the National Museum of American History, where I collaborate on public programming for the 250th anniversary of the nation.Alumna of Yale, Duke, and Oxford.

Experience

1. American History Curator in the Rare Book & Special Collections Division

   Library of Congress

   Jul 2025 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   As Curator of American History in the Rare Book & Special Collections Division at the Library of Congress, I steward one of the nation’s most significant collections of rare books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and ephemera related to American history and culture. My role involves curating exhibitions, acquiring rare materials, conducting original research, and expanding public and scholarly engagement with the collections.I collaborate with colleagues across the institution to develop interpretive projects that illuminate the historical and cultural richness of the Library’s holdings—from early American print culture to political and food history. I also support teaching and outreach initiatives, respond to research inquiries, and contribute to the long-term preservation of rare materials that document the many voices and experiences that have shaped the United States.

Education

• Duke University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

• Yale University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

• Duke University

  Master of Arts (M.A.)

• University of Oxford

  Visiting Student