معرفی
Melissa Bingmann is an Associate Professor and Director of Public History at West Virginia University, affiliated with the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, Department of History. She specializes in historic site interpretation, U.S. cultural history, and public history education. Her work bridges academia with community projects, such as exhibitions at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum and Arthurdale Heritage Inc. She holds a PhD from Arizona State University, MA from the University of South Carolina, and BA from Arizona State University.
Research Interests:
Her studies focus on historic site interpretation, 20th-century U.S. cultural history, education, childhood, regional history, and gender/kinship dynamics. She is author of Prep School Cowboys: Ranch Schools in the American West (2015) and co-editor of The Museum Educator’s Manual (2009). Current projects include a textbook on historic site interpretation and research into LDS Church historical narratives.
Teaching and Grants:
Teaches courses like HIST 610 (Historic Site Interpretation) and HIST 750 (Public History Methodology). Has secured grants for teacher professional development, museum exhibitions, and educational programs through museum partnerships. Advises seven graduate students in Public History.
Labs/Teams:
Leads community-driven projects with WVU’s Public History program, collaborating with institutions like Arthurdale Heritage Inc. and the Historic 219 Seneca Trail initiative.
