Margaret Santiago facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Margaret Santiago
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| Born | 1931  Spartanburg |
| Died | 17 March 2018 (aged 86–87) |
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| Occupation | Singer, museum professional, registrar |
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| Position held | registrar (1977–1991), supervisor (1970–1977) |
Margaret Santiago (born 1931, died 2018) was an important American museum expert. She worked as a registrar, which means she took care of all the important items in a museum. Margaret Santiago was the first African-American person to be a registrar at a big science museum, the National Museum of Natural History. She also helped start the African American Museums Association, which is now called the Association of African American Museums.
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Her Museum Career
Margaret Santiago started working at the Smithsonian in 1960. Her first job was as a clerk typist. This means she helped with office tasks and typing.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 1963, Margaret was promoted. She became an assistant supervisor. Her job was to help manage new items coming into the National Museum of Natural History. She also helped keep track of all the museum's specimens. By 1970, she was the supervisor of that team.
Becoming a Registrar
In 1977, Margaret Santiago made history. She became the first African-American person to work as a registrar at any major science museum. A registrar is like a super-organized guardian for a museum's collection. They make sure every item is properly recorded, stored, and cared for. Margaret held this important job until she retired.
Helping Other Museums
Margaret also helped create the African American Museums Association. This group helps support museums that focus on African-American history and culture. It is now known as the Association of African American Museums. Margaret retired from the Smithsonian in 1991. She had worked there for 30 years!
About Margaret's Life
Margaret Santiago was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1931. She had a talent for singing.
Her Love for Music
When she was young, Margaret sang at Macedonia Baptist Church in Spartanburg. She also sang on a radio show in Washington, D.C. In 1987, she released her own music album. It was called "MarGueritte S. Soulful Gospel." Her friends often called her MarGueritte.
Family and Later Life
Margaret Santiago was married and had at least three children. She also lived in Puerto Rico and Atlanta, Georgia. Margaret Santiago passed away on March 17, 2018.
