Melanie Adams facts for kids

Melanie Adams, born in 1969, is an American educator and a leader in museums. She is the director of the Anacostia Community Museum in Washington, D.C., which is part of the famous Smithsonian Institution. In 2023, she also became the temporary director for the new Smithsonian American Women's History Museum, which is still being built.

Early Life and Learning

Melanie A. Adams was born in 1969. Her mom was a teacher and her dad was a librarian. She grew up in East Hanover, New Jersey.

Melanie went to the University of Virginia and earned a degree in English and African-American studies. She then continued her education at the University of Vermont and later at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. There, she earned a special degree called a doctorate. Her studies focused on how people worked for fairness in education, especially for African American communities.

Working in Museums and Education

Melanie Adams started her career helping students at universities. She worked at the University of California-Berkeley and California State University-Northridge.

In 1997, Melanie moved to St. Louis, Missouri. She continued to work in student affairs at Washington University. Later, she led the St. Louis office of Teach for America, an organization that helps new teachers work in schools.

From 2005, she worked at the Missouri History Museum. She helped create educational programs and events for the community. She stayed there until 2016.

In 2016, Melanie joined the Minnesota Historical Society. As a leader there, she started a new department. This team worked to build strong connections with local communities. They reached out to people near the Society's 26 historic sites and museums.

Melanie Adams became the director of the Anacostia Community Museum in August 2019. Her goal was to create even more partnerships with different community groups.

Leading and Helping Communities

Melanie has also been a leader in her community. In 2007, she was chosen to join a special board for the St. Louis Public Schools. She worked for nine years to help the school district improve.

From 2014 to 2016, she was the president of the Association of Midwest Museums. This group helps museums in the Midwest region.

Today, Melanie is a member of the board of directors for the American Association for State and Local History. This group supports history organizations across the country.

Special Awards

Melanie Adams has received several awards for her work:

• St. Louis NAACP 100 Community Leader, 2009
• Royal Vagabonds Foundation Extraordinary St. Louis Trailblazer, 2014