Meet Nancy Benz | Historian and Museum Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nancy Benz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nancy, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is you have to hustle your way through life in order to be successful. You don’t have to have thousands or millions to be successful. I think how we measure success should be subjective and less influenced by what others/society deems successful. Ask yourself these three questions. Are you happy? Is your family happy? Do you like/have passion for what you are doing? If the answer is yes to all of the above, you, in my mind, are as successful as a millionaire.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have a few friends who’ve started their own small businesses and said to myself, “ I can do that. What can I offer my community?” I’ve been in the public history field for 10 years and in my tenure, I’ve noticed there isn’t a specific history research based service near me. For extensive research, people in my area lean on either the state historical society/archive 2+ hours away or local historical societies/organizations that are short-staffed and can be hard to get an appointment with. I discussed my idea with friends and colleagues and a few years later, Tracking Your History: Family & History Preservation Services was born!

I ’ve always done historical research and small genealogy requests for family and friends for free. Eventually, I convinced myself to start offering it as a paid service. The area I live in is rich in history with deep roots and people have always looked to our past. I believe people are curious about the past but don’t know where or how to start. Some people want to know more about their family but have hit a roadblock and don’t know where to look for more information. I provide that service. Help you find what you are looking for. But there is a caveat, sometimes people, events, places, etc. are undocumented. That’s the part that can be frustrating for my clients and for me, but it comes with the territory.

I’ve always had a love for history and the story of humans, and I wanted a career where I could tell people about our past in a creative and engaging way. That led me to the public history field. Not only do I run my small business but I also have a 9-5 in the field. For the last 5 years, I’ve been the curator of collections and exhibits at a local museum and when I design exhibits or create content that sparks curiosity, I get an overwhelming feeling of pride. I believe people can feel my passion when looking at what I created and it encourages them to do their own research. One of my biggest accomplishments in recent years is publishing “Trailblazing Midwestern Women: Women Who Made Their Mark on HERstory” an all-ages coloring book focusing on local historical women. Each illustration is accompanied with a small biography of the woman. It’s been really well received and people are asking questions and doing their own research on the women and other topics. It’s really been inspiring and I’m thankful for people’s support everyday.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is to be flexible. Things happen all the time that can change how my day goes. A volunteer calls in sick. The local news comes in to do a story when I’m knee deep in cleaning taxidermy or swamped with tours. Being flexible allows me to change direction in a moment’s notice without freaking out. Authenticity has been my biggest success factor. By being authentic I can connect on a deeper level with my community and clients and in turn, can connect their story to the greater American narrative.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, no one really comes to the corn-filled Midwest for vacation but luckily for me I have been to Denver, CO and the surrounding area many of times!

The first place we would go definitely be the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. There is something there for everyone and you can spend your time accordingly. Then grab a bite to eat at Fox Run Cafe! The Cherry Creek district Barnes and Noble was great last time I was there so, I for sure would take my bestie there.

After we hit Denver, I’d give her the choice of Breckenridge or the Springs area. Breckenridge is just gorgeous no matter the season. I love all the shops and eateries along the main strip. Hands down I’d take her to the Blue Stag Saloon and Eric’s for food and drinks. Eric’s is such a vibe. And I love that you can drink and play arcade games!

After my most recent visit to see family in Canon City, I’d take her there to end the trip. Visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, see all things dinosaurs, peruse the aisles at Cheryl’s Book Nook, and end every day at the World’s End Brewing Company. Their bourbon and brown sugar chicken wings are to die for! The margaritas hit too.

But if ya’ll are coming to Quincy, Illinois, I have places to go that will change your idea of what the Midwest has to offer. Hit me up if you’re ever this way and we will go exploring! We will definitely have great food and drinks and see some interesting places along the way. Heck, I can even give you a private tour of the museum I work at and our collection space.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be the historian I am today if it wasn’t for my husband, Jacob, my family and friends, and my community. And I definitely have to mention all of my professors throughout my education; wow, did they prepare me for the work force!

Website: https://trackinghistorydotblog.wordpress.com

Instagram: @trackingyourhistory

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-benz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrackingYourHistory

Other: PangoBooks: @the_ginger_reads