Although it’s been less than two years since Anna Newby ’24 graduated from Cornell College, this history major has maintained the fast pace that the One Course At A Time imprints on Cornellians’ DNA.
She’s worked at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, researched the 1908 Springfield Race Riot, and is writing a National Historic Register of Historic Places nomination for the Broadway United Methodist Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Newby will graduate with a master’s degree in public history from the University of Illinois Springfield in May of this year.
Newby credits Cornell with sparking her passion for history. The wide variety of history courses allowed her to explore different interests, experiences, and teaching styles. When she entered grad school, she knew she was prepared.
“Studying with professors such as Dr. Catherine Stewart allowed me to develop the research, reading, writing, and interpretation skills that I use so frequently now,” Newby said. “Being a history major at Cornell sparked my passion in history and is foundational to the academic and professional careers I hope to have.”
Professor of History Catherine Stewart remarked on Newby’s understanding of the relevance of the past to our current problems, citing exemplary research and the ability to engage and inspire others to learn from the past.
“As a student, Anna consistently impressed me with her insightful and astute interpretation of historical documents,” Stewart said. “Anna is one of the brightest, most self-directed, independently motivated, and conscientious students I have ever had the pleasure of working with in my years of teaching at Cornell.”
While still wrapping up her master’s program, Newby already has her next step lined up. She’s just accepted a position as a GS-5 Park Ranger at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, New York. She’s excited about the position and about improving her front-line interpretation skills.
“As I continue to grow in my career with the National Park Service, I hope to continue using the skills that Cornell has provided me well into the future,” Newby said.
As a park ranger, she’ll be providing interpretive historical talks to visitors, as well as helping with other responsibilities in their historic buildings and visitor center.