Elizabeth Myers

Elizabeth Myers serves as the Director of Special Collections at Smith College, where she oversees a large team dedicated to managing and promoting the college's extensive archival resources. She has been in this role since May 2014, and her leadership has significantly shaped the direction and outreach of the Special Collections department.

Educational Background and Career

Myers holds both a Master's and a Ph.D. in United States history from Loyola University Chicago, where she also directed the Women and Leadership Archives from 2006 to 2012. Following that, she served as the director of the Walter P. Reuther Library at Wayne State University until 2014. Her career reflects a strong commitment to women's history and archival activism, which she views as essential to preserving diverse narratives in historical documentation.123

Contributions at Smith College

At Smith, Myers has emphasized the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in archival work. Under her direction, the Special Collections have expanded significantly, encompassing notable repositories such as the Sophia Smith Collection, which is recognized as one of the oldest collections focused on women's history globally. Myers is also involved in various initiatives aimed at enhancing collection accessibility and educational outreach, including significant grant projects.24

Professional Involvement

Myers is actively engaged in the archival community, serving on multiple committees within the Society of American Archivists (SAA), where she has held leadership roles such as chairing the A*Census II working group. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she was named a Distinguished Fellow of the SAA in 2022.24 Her research interests include feminist curation and women’s archives, reflecting her dedication to advocating for underrepresented voices in historical narratives.34

Personal Life

Residing in Northampton, Massachusetts, Myers balances her professional commitments with family life, including raising her child and caring for two rescue cats.2

Overall, Elizabeth Myers exemplifies a dedicated archivist whose work at Smith College not only preserves history but also actively engages with contemporary issues surrounding gender and representation in archival practices.