Meet the Curator - Kendra Hinkle

Kendra Hinkle, Museum Specialist/Cultural Resource Manager at Andrew Johnson National Historic Site

How long have you worked with museum collections?

Officially, since 2006. Before that, however, I knew the path I wanted to follow involved cultural resources. I love organizing and putting things in order, but more than that, I love the way artifacts and structures can build bridges between centuries and cultures. They can connect us with people and times that are gone.

I graduated from East Tennessee State University with degrees in English and History, and after working at Tipton-Haynes state park in Johnson City, Tennessee, I gained a position with the NPS in the interpretive division. I eventually became the lead ranger at the Andrew Johnson NHS Visitor Center, but as I watched and assisted the site curator with inventory and projects, I decided to dedicate my time and energy to growing in that field.

I participated in George Washington University’s pilot online master’s program in Museum Studies and spent two weeks of immersive training in curatorial methods at Harpers Ferry Center. Alice Newton was registrar at the time, and she created a non-stop, hands-on syllabus that included trips to Gettysburg, Hampton House, and the Smithsonian.

When the curator here retired, I applied for the job. I walked straight into a Collection Management Plan project, so my work list was established from the get-go!

What do you like about being a NPS curator?

I love caring for refined objects that are works of art in themselves. I love craftsmanship and connections to pivotal moments in history. I also love broadening my horizons and experiencing the wealth of other parks. I’ve enjoyed several projects assisting other sites, and I’ve made wonderful friends along the way. I’ve been lucky to be able to help with projects at Moores Creek, Cumberland Gap, Tuskegee Airmen and Tuskegee Institute, Timucuan, Fort Sumter/Fort Moultrie/Charles Pinckney, Cumberland Island, Guilford Courthouse, King’s Mountain, and Fort Donelson, to name a few!

And I must admit I love getting to go “behind closed doors.” As a child there was nothing more alluring and mysterious than what might be behind them.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Research and discovery. There is always something new to discover or uncover. Many times, this work feels like putting together a puzzle, and it is so gratifying when the pieces click.

There’s a great deal of variety; from exhibit planning to compliance, preventive conservation to cultural resource protection, it never gets old. Each project or undertaking is different. I enjoy working with IDT members to ensure that the resources are kept in the best condition they can be for generations to come. We are the stewards of our time, passing through and making what contributions we can.

Tell us about an object or specimen in the collection(s) you manage:

A favorite artifact in our collection is a beautiful porcelain box topped with colorful flowers encased in glass. According to family tradition, it came to Eliza Johnson in the Executive Mansion. It was a gift from France that came filled with 40 pounds of chocolate candy! I’m sure the candy box was a favorite with the Johnson grandchildren, who were with them in the White House. It is now on display in the Johnson Homestead, in Eliza’s bedroom.

Porcelain box

What do you like to do when you are not working? (hobbies, etc.)

There are so many things I enjoy doing! In my own time, I’m a writer, poet, and artist. Nature journaling is a new interest. If I can connect curiosity with an artistic outlet, I’m happy. Travel and photography are huge components of who I am. I’m on a quest to see all 50 states and as many of the National Parks as I can. I just returned from Idaho, the 43rd state was my 43rd state visited, and Craters of the Moon is now one of my favorite NPS sites. I enjoy the lure of going abroad and experiencing ancient wonders, as well.

At the same time, I love being at home with my two dogs; Gloria and Daphne, and two cats; Phineas and Banjo. As well as working in my perennial bed. I’m blessed to own an 18th century log cabin that my father reconstructed in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains many years ago. It has no electricity, so weekend get-aways and hearth cooking are favorite weekend pastimes of mine. The call of the past has always been strong!