Hope Evans

What motivated you to pursue a graduate degree and why did you choose FSU?

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in history, so after taking some time off after earning my B.A. to work at the John G. Riley Center & Museum, I knew a graduate degree would give me the skills to push my career to the next level. As an undergraduate student at FSU, I loved the Department of History. Graduate school seemed daunting, but my professors, Dr. Katherine Mooney and Dr. Claudia Liebeskind, showed me unrelenting support, guidance, and encouragement as I considered my options. I always felt this support from my professors in the department, even after I graduated, so returning to FSU was an easy choice that I was excited to make.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

So much of a community's history is in the built environment. Through my work and research, I've found the importance of preserving and documenting that history. Much of my work at the Riley Museum and research in my graduate studies is centered around historically underrepresented communities. The architecture itself tells the history of those whose identities are associated with each site. Those buildings and structures are lasting evidence of the influence of minority groups and how deeply their history is interwoven into our communities. Whichever community it belongs to cannot be cast aside or treated as insignificant; interpreting those sites’ history as honestly and thoroughly as possible will give them the respect and dignity they deserve. As I've researched and been a part of interviews with our community members, I've learned that building trust with the community so that they feel comfortable sharing their stories with me is nothing short of an honor and a privilege.

Career aspirations

I plan to continue working in my community through historic preservation and architectural history. My greatest wish is to make historic preservation and architectural history accessible to generations after me from a young age.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Go in with at least an idea of what you want from your degree. Your professors and colleagues will be able to connect you with more resources and opportunities and will have a better idea of how to support you in your graduate school journey. That being said, keep an open mind, and if you discover something new that excites you, go for it.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I feel very proud to have received the Diversity Scholarship from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to attend their annual conference, PastForward, in October 2024. I also had a paper accepted for presentation at the Southeast Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians (SESAH) 2024 annual conference. Lastly, I feel very proud to be a graduate student at FSU. It's a privilege to attend graduate school and study the subject I love most.