Tracking Your History

05/19/2026

a day in the life of a museum collections manager ✏️

04/13/2026

A couple weeks ago, I had to go to Kansas City for a collection transport and …. why not make a day of it?!

This is the largest pre-Civil War era collection known to exist with over 60 tons of artifacts 🤯 from fine intact China-ware, to animal hide and frontier tools, to the smallest Italian glazed buttons, this is a museum that leaves you breathless.

And the giant paddle wheel? What a looker!

If you haven’t toured this museum, don’t wait! Seriously, don’t wait - they’re closing in November 😢 I sure hope they find a new home…

Jake came along too 😍

03/30/2026

Another year in the books as a judge for the regional National History Day fair!

Swipe to see some of my favorite exhibit boards 🤓

03/12/2026

Come hang out with me and the gang at our next event in April!

YP Council Close-up: Nancy Benz

Nancy has been participating in YP since 2018, and loves being able to connect YP to local history when she gets the chance! She also owns Tracking Your History, where all things history is explored 🧐

Get to know her more this year 👇

Quincy Area Chamber Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County

02/15/2026

Back for round 2 😍

Although I wasn’t on my A-game and had to leave early (lovely timing for a migraine attack), I hope the attendees walked away with more information on the first woman to run for president, Victoria Claflin Woodhull; she was a beast!

Did you know she lived in Quincy for a few years? Another way Quincy is connected to national historical moments 🤯

02/06/2026

I love seeing students connect with the past!

This is one of my favorite activities working in collection management and museums. Giving hands-on experiences with the past can be the spark that a student needs to engage with history for the rest of their lives.

01/26/2026

Last week at the Quincy Area Chamber’s Annual Meeting, I was recognized as Young Professional of the Year 🤯

Over the last few years, I’ve really grown into my career as a public historian, preservationist, and community builder. These years have been marked by growth, challenges, and a commitment to becoming a better, more authentic human.

I believe in the power of community, engagement, mentoring, and teamwork. I did not get where I am alone. There were - and are - many people who have helped shape me into the professional and person I am today, and this award is an extension of their commitment to me.

Thank you for choosing me as your 2025 Young Professional of the Year 💜

01/12/2026

It's going to be busy year folks!

I may not post as often as I'd like on this page, but you can see why! My 9 to 5 can be quite...shall we say, busy? 😂 but I'm so excited for some of the projects coming down the pipe!

Stay tuned friends 💜

Week one of the new year at HSQAC = lots of behind-the-scenes work!

From collections cataloging and rehousing to research requests, website updates, and committee meetings, we’ve hit the ground running. Here’s to a productive year ahead!

Want in on the action? Becoming a member/volunteer is easy! Visit our website for more information www.hsqac.org

12/11/2025

Well… this is pretty cool!

I’m excited to announce that I’ve been named to the 2025 Marquis Who’s Who class! If you had told me years ago that I’d be invited into a program like this, I’m not sure I would have believed you.

Being recognized for the work that I do in my community has been one of my greatest achievements. I don’t do the work for recognition, but it’s truly appreciated and humbling to know that I make an impact 💜