C. Morgan Grefe

About C. Morgan Grefe

In June of 2011 I took the position of Executive Director at the RIHS, an organization I have had the pleasure of serving for the last six years as the Director of the Goff Center. I am eager to help the RIHS move forward through supporting engaging, dynamic experiences related to Rhode Island history for learners of all ages. In all areas we strive for better representation of understudied topics and populations. As a main goal at the RIHS, I work for the unified development of all departments to create a more cohesive and supportive environment for colleagues, members, and guests. At my core, my goal is to help people better understand the past of all individuals in a hope that if one can develop a sense of historical empathy, one can also begin to experience empathy and sympathy for others today.Specialties: My specializations within American history are prison history, African-American history and literature, 18th/19th century domestic life and interiors. Otherwise, my overarching field is museum studies and practice with an emphasis on interpretation and implementation.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Rhode Island Historical Society

   Jun 2011 — Present

Education

• University of Pennsylvania

  BA, American Civilization

  1995 — 1998

• Brown University

  Ph.D., American Civilization

  1998 — 2005

• University of Pennsylvania

  MA, American Civilization

  1997 — 1998

Skills

• Museum Education
• Architectural History
• Program Development
• Archival Research
• Historical Research
• American History
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Cultural Heritage
• Curating
• Cataloging
• Tutoring
• Grant Writing
• Oral History
• Historical Interpretation
• Public Speaking
• History
• Fundraising
• Volunteer Management
• Museum Collections
• Teaching
• Historic Preservation
• Copy Editing
• Public Relations
• Nonprofits
• Community Outreach
• Museums
• Archives
• Literature
• Grants