MAYA
BROOKS
Public Historian and
Digital Humanities Specialist
About Me
I first discovered my passion for museums by designing Barbie Dreamhouses. I would set up the houses for hours, making sure to glue each piece in its proper place. I would host "showings" to anyone who visited my room, providing commentary on why I chose to put each item in its specific place. The creative freedom of constructing spaces and narratives for my dolls enamored me, so I decided to pursue a career in heritage interpretation. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with a minor in Art History from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I specialized in race, place, and power. I studied how systemic forces influenced the Black American experience and lead to major mid-century social movements, including the Black Arts Movement during the 1960s. I currently hope to work in Museum Education and Outreach upon graduating from the Museum Studies program at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Education
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Master of Arts in History, Museum Studies Concentration
Class of 2020
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
Class of 2018
Professional Experience
Programs and Educational Initiatives Intern, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture,
Charlotte, NC, 2019
• Developed digital exhibit components aligned with the Harvey B. Gantt Center's Initiative for Equity and Innovation
• Created a digital timeline exhibit using ArcGIS Story Map software to showcase Black Charlotte history
• Designed print and digital marketing materials for exhibits, programs, and social media
• Executed summer programming and artist workshop set up
Graduate Assistant, Institute for Community and Economic Engagement, Greensboro, NC, 2019-present
-
Assisted with collection and recording of community engagement and public service work among UNCG departments and faculty
-
Developed content for ICEE’s monthly faculty and staff e-newsletter and quarterly community e-newsletter
-
Connected community members and organizations with appropriate UNCG institutional units
Programs Assistant, Greensboro Public Library, Greensboro, NC, 2018-present
-
Maintained automated catalog and circulation records
-
Provided technical and reference support to library guests
-
Coordinated library programs and special events
Evaluation Intern, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC, 2018
-
Outlined, conducted, and analyzed demographic and satisfaction museum surveys
-
Digitized and archived over 2,000 survey materials for future museum use
-
Presented a proposal to museum’s Evaluation Board for future integration of inclusive, interactive exhibits to facilitate museum diversity
Student Assistant, North Carolina Collection, Wilson Library, Chapel Hill, NC, 2016 – 2018
-
Maintained Special Collection materials- including Rare Books, maps, and microfilm
-
Assisted guests with account registration and material requests
-
Accessioned over 100 new artifacts into a digital archive each quarter
-
Designed and installed exhibits for special events and programs
-
Contributed to University’s blog on state history and culture, North Carolina Miscellany
-
Represented University Special Collections on Student Library Advisory Board
Communications Specialist, UNC Visitors’ Center, Chapel Hill, NC, 2014 – 2018
-
Arranged, promoted, and led historical tours of campus
-
Inaugurated use of digital technology for guided tours
-
Provided information about the University, town, and county upon request
-
Developed a collection of print and electronic advertising materials