Ty Smith will begin serving as Sacramento’s new City Historian on June 1, bringing more than two decades of experience in public history, museum leadership, interpretation and education.
Smith previously served as museum director of the California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park, with leadership experience at cultural landmarks including Hearst Castle and the California State Capitol Museum.
As City Historian, Smith will oversee the Center for Sacramento History and help guide efforts to preserve and share Sacramento’s history through education, culture and community engagement.
Smith said he is honored to help gather, preserve and share the stories that shape Sacramento’s past and future.
“Sacramento’s local history is world history. I am honored to be a part of gathering, holding, and telling Sacramento’s stories. In Sacramento, the past didn’t go anywhere; it flows into our lives and expresses itself through our lived experiences,” said Smith. “The highest calling of a public historian is to help people see themselves in history and, in so doing, help people imagine their futures through understanding our collective past. I look forward to building on the previous success of the Center for Sacramento History and in serving my community.”
The Center for Sacramento History serves as the official archives and research center for the historical records of the City and County of Sacramento, preserving collections that document the region’s political, cultural, social and economic history. For more information, visit centerforsacramentohistory.org.