Spencer Crew

Spencer Crew is a Professor at George Mason University’s Robinson Professors program, specializing in African American and Public History. He previously served as Director of the National Museum of American History (Smithsonian) and President of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. His work focuses on making history accessible through exhibitions like Field to Factory and The American Presidency.

Education: BA from Brown University, MA and PhD from Rutgers University (inducted into Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2003). He chairs the National Council for History Education and serves on boards like the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Crew is a Distinguished Lecturer for the Organization of American Historians, delivering talks on American history to diverse audiences.

His research emphasizes migration, race, and public engagement with history. He co-authored seminal works on migration and the presidency, and his exhibitions have influenced national dialogues on race and slavery. Recent advising includes LaQuanda Walters Cooper’s dissertation on Black political spaces in North Carolina.