Press Release                    December 1, 2018

For further information contact Ariel Wagner, 260-982-0672 nmhistory@cinergymetro.net; or  arielwagner25@gmail.com

NM Historical Society Appoints New Director of the Center for History, Ariel Wagner

Ariel Wagner will be the new Director of the North Manchester Center for History starting January 2019.  Ariel graduated from Ball State University in May 2017 with a major in History. She has had a long interest in history, and while at school explored a variety of ways to interpret local history to be appealing to both schoolchildren and adults. One project was the Freedom Bus, where a group of Ball State students transformed an old city bus into a mobile museum. The Freedom Bus focused on the Civil Rights within Northeastern Indiana by collecting oral histories from locals who were part of Indiana’s historical events. Hoosier History is rich, and it is one reason Ariel is so dedicated to “small-town” culture and history, and passionate to relate it to residents both young and old audiences.

In Ariel’s free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends doing multiple outdoor activities including: hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, etc. She lives close to Collamer, and attended Whitko High School. While at Ball State Ariel worked at Mounds State Park as an Interpretive Naturalist. There she administered a variety of programs that provided awareness and appreciation for Indiana’s natural and cultural history. She is looking forward to working with the dedicated staff and volunteers at the Center for History getting to know the residents of North Manchester on a personal level, and discovering the hidden gems of their history.    

North Manchester History (Winter2019):

Dear NMHS members:

I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful organization. Having long held an interest in history, I enjoy sharing my passion with the public. My history degree from Ball State University has prepared me well for this position, gaining experience while working on several interdisciplinary student projects with topics ranging from civil rights in northeastern Indiana to advocating for mass rail transit. My passion for history was fostered in a previous position as an Interpretive Naturalist at Mounds State Park—preserving Indiana’s natural and cultural history. The opportunity to gain experience with a nonprofit museum is greatly welcomed. Any occasion to develop my learning within this fascinating field is highly valued. I know that we would not be so successful without dedicated volunteers and members like you! I look forward to preserving our community’s history together.

Ariel Wagner, Director