Melanie A. Adams
Interim Director, Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum
Melanie Adams is the interim director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. The museum advances the understanding of women’s contributions to various fields throughout history that have influenced the direction of the United States. Adams will guide the museum’s collaboration efforts with other museums and educational institutions to expand scholarly research, public programs, digital content, collections and more in recognition of diverse perspectives on women’s history and contributions.
Adams was named the Roger Ferguson and Annette Nazareth Director of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum in 2018. She has temporarily stepped away from that role to head the Women’s History Museum. She has more than 25 years of community engagement experience in museums and higher education, and she has broadened the Anacostia Community Museum’s community-centered programming to be responsive to community needs. In 2023, she launched the Smithsonian’s Center for Environmental Justice.
Previously, beginning in 2016, Adams served as deputy director for learning initiatives, at the Minnesota Historical Society. She led efforts at the society to develop strategic partnerships, audiences and resources within local communities. As deputy director, she managed 26 historic sites and museums throughout Minnesota. During her tenure, she created the community outreach department to provide partnerships and programs outside the museum walls.
Adams was the managing director of the Missouri Historical Society for 11 years (2005–2016) where she oversaw more than 700 St. Louis community programs annually, including events with more than 100 community partners. Her work focused on addressing the cultural and social concerns of the St. Louis community.
Adams was president of the Association of Midwest Museums from 2014 to 2016, and she currently serves on the council of the American Association for State and Local History. As a facilitator of workshops on topics related to museums and race, she helps professionals understand barriers to connecting with diverse audiences.
Her past work has focused on racial inequality in education. Appointed by the St. Louis mayor in 2007 to the Special Administrative Board of St. Louis Public Schools, she worked for nine years with students, staff and the public to help the district regain accreditation. Adams has received numerous accolades for her community work; she was named a St. Louis NAACP 100 Community Leader in 2009 and the Royal Vagabonds Foundation Extraordinary St. Louis Trailblazer in 2014.
Adams holds a bachelor’s degree in English/African-American studies from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree in education from the University of Vermont and a doctorate from the University of Missouri St. Louis in educational leadership and policy studies.
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SI-35A-2023
