By Celina Dietzel ‘17

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) had its grand opening in September, and Knox alumni Jessica Brode '13, who has worked at the museum since May of 2015, was there to watch it unfold.

"The opening of the museum has been a once in a lifetime experience," she said.

Brode is the DAMS and Rights and Reproductions Manager of the NMAAHC, meaning she oversees the production and archival of digital images within the museum collections. She also handles copyright requests, working with individuals from news outlets, publications, and educational institutions.

The NMAAHC, located in the heart of Washington D.C., documents African American life, both past and present, through exhibitions on slavery and freedom, civil rights, artists, military, and cultural expressions, just to name a few.

Brode is grateful for the work she's been able to accomplish. "The U.S. is still struggling with race, and it makes this museum so important right now," she said.

After graduating from Knox with an art history and history double major, Brode received an MA degree in museum studies from George Washington University in Washington D.C.

She holds her Knox education in high regard. "I didn't realize that Knox prepared me so well for my work until I was in graduate school. Knox really encourages its students to not only find their passion, but to find a way to help the community at large," she said.

Brode has always been passionate about history and culture, and her position at the NMAAHC allows her to share that with the public.

"I have found that working in museums allows me to not only protect history, art, and culture for future generations but allows me to help make that culture accessible to the world through the digital sphere," she said.

Pictured above: The National Museum of African American History and Culture (photo by Alan Karchmer/NMAAHC).