Emily Nolan, 2023

During my junior year at the University of Mary Washington, I began looking for summer internships. My major was Cultural Anthropology, so my goal was securing internship work in a museum. After weeks of searching oversaturated job websites, my mom suggested I reach out to AAHA. This nudge brought forward old memories of a school fieldtrip I took to AAHA and I immediately emailed the organization. A quick reply and interview later, I was now a part of the AAHA team.

Picture posted on AAHA’s Facebook from February 9th, 2019, featuring Emily during a school fieldtrip to the museum

That summer taught me many skills in numerous areas like nonprofit organizing, genealogical research, youth outreach, and more. While I was drawn to AAHA for the museum component, I found myself eager to contribute to all of AAHA’s operational facets. After ending my summer with the organization, I continued to stay in touch with the team, and even centered a school project around the work at AAHA. Then, following my graduation, I found myself once more drawn to AAHA. I again reached out and rejoined the team, this time as the Office Administrator.

I feel beyond grateful for the opportunities provided to me through AAHA. Working with a small organization allows you to directly see the impact you make on your community. Additionally, everyone contributing to AAHA’s growth and success shares a similar passion for the organization’s mission.

Emily Nolan graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2024 with a degree in Cultural Anthropology. She currently works as AAHA’s Office Administrator and runs the organization’s social media and websites. Emily created the Black Memorabilia digital collection and has had media posts featured in Fauquier Now.