Hospitality | Tourism 2023: CHRISTY S. COLEMAN

As head of the foundation administering two museums of early American history, Coleman is at the forefront of educators weaving a nuanced and inclusive story of American history.

Coleman is the first woman and the first person of color to serve as executive director of the state agency that operates Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

In April, she received the David McCullough Prize for Excellence in American Public History. Named for the Pulitzer-winning author and historian, the award honors individuals and organizations whose work significantly furthers the understanding of American history. She is just the third recipient of the award.

The foundation was awarded a $2.5 million grant in December 2022 from the Lilly Endowment to integrate the role of religion in early American history throughout its galleries and living history spaces.

A graduate of Hampton University with a master’s degree in museum studies, Coleman previously was president and CEO of the American Civil War Museum in Richmond.

PERSONAL MOTTO: We’ll never get right with each other until we get our history right.

MOST VALUED POSSESSION: My mind

SOMETHING I’D NEVER DO AGAIN: Parasail