The Greenbrier Historical Society is pleased to introduce Dara Vance as Executive Director. She comes with advanced degrees in Fine Art, Educational Leadership, U.S. History and, most recently, she studied for her PhD in U.S. History at the University of Kentucky.
Vance moved to West Virginia a little over four years ago to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA for the Meadow River Valley Association. Since then, she has worked in the non-profit community with God’s Way Home, Robert C Byrd Clinic, Greenbrier County Family Support Center, and West Virginia School for Osteopathic Medicine.
As both an artist and historian Vance believes the study and presentation of history should ask big questions in small places, saying “Artists and historians ask questions in the same way. We want to understand more than facts. We want to understand the ‘why’ and reveal unanticipated connections.” As for her transition to the mountain state from Florida, Vance says it was like a home coming. “From parents back to ancestors in the 1600s, my family has a long history in this country. I may have grown up in Florida but I was raised on brown beans and corn bread. The beauty of the area and the drama of the landscape does not give a moment to miss Florida. I feel like I am finally among my people.”
Al Emch, President of the Greenbrier Historical Society, said, “We are very excited to have Dara joining us as our new Executive Director. Her extensive experience with non-profits in this area coupled with her management skills, creativity, and deep interest in history make her a natural for this job.”
Vance joins the Greenbrier Historical Society at an exciting time when special projects like the 1834 Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia Law Library and Study Building; Rhoda’s House-Enslaved Quarters; the Blue Sulphur Springs Pavilion; archaeology at the Barracks; and the Hidden History Project focusing on the western part of Greenbrier County are in full swing. When asked about her vision for the future of GHS, Vance said, “The Greenbrier Historical Society is an integral part of telling the stories that live in all our communities. I am honored to serve in the capacity to preserve the past while also teaching for a brighter future.”
Vance lives in Williamsburg, WV, on a small farm with six cats, two dogs, two sheep, one donkey, and her partner, Jeff, an area musician.
She invites everyone to stop by the Greenbrier Historical Society-North House Museum and Archives and have a chat. GHS is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and is located at 814 Washington St. W. in Lewisburg. Call 304-645-3398 or visit www.greenbrierhistorical.org.
