Staff
Caroline Speir
Executive Director
Caroline Speir began work at the museum as a Historical Interpreter in 2008 and in 2009 moved into the job of Exhibit Designer. In 2019 she assumed the role of Executive Director. A native of Fort Smith and a life-long resident of the area, Ms. Speir has a long family history in Fort Smith, AR and Sequoyah County, OK. She is a member of the Network for Executive Women, sits on the Board of the Western Arkansas Mountain Frontier, sits on the UAFS Charles Portis Symposium Committee, is an Ambassador for the City of Fort Smith, and was a member of the City of Fort Smith Bicentennial Committee. She also holds a B.A. in History/Public History from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith and has published articles in the Fort Smith Historical Society publication, "The Journal". She shares the passion with which the community of Fort Smith embraces its history and works to educate the public about Fort Smith's more than 200 years worth of history.
Grace Devero
Curations Assistant
A native of Fort Smith, Ms. Devero began her work with the FSMH in 2015 as a volunteer to the Curator. In 2016 she took on the job title of "Museum Assistant", and over the last eight years has been a vital member of our front desk staff, assisting visitors in the museum at the front desk, soda fountain, and gift shop. In 2021, Ms. Devero added "Curations Assistant" to the many hats she wears. Her focus area is curatorial duties, research requests, and museum collections. A 2015 graduate of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Ms. Devero holds a B. A. in History.
Ivy Miller
Membership Specialist
Mrs. Ivy Miller came to the Museum as a sophomore in high school in 2013 through a work-study program and quickly became an integral part of our staff as a "Museum Assistant" and later, "Membership Specialist". She assists visitors in the museum at the front desk, soda fountain, and gift shop with a focus area in Museum membership. She and her husband Jeremy are part of the local business community as the owners of Fort Smith Retro Market.
Gabi Brooks
Administrative Assistant
A native of Texarkana, AR, Gabi relocated to Fort Smith to attend the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith where she graduated with a degree in Organizational Leadership in December 2021. A member of the FSMH staff since 2022, Ms. Brooks primary focus area is the important day-to-day administrative needs of the Museum. She is also the social media manager for our annual "Christmas In July" event and manages the FSMH Museum Store. Her passions in life are her two fat cats, her fiancé Joseph, making stained glass art and growing houseplants.
Calvin Evans
Visitor Experience
A native of Fort Smith and a life-long resident of the area, Mr. Evans began work at the FSMH in 2015. With a vast knowledge of the area's history and as a "Museum Assistant", Mr. Evans assists visitors at the front desk, soda fountain, and gift shop. He is responsible for scheduling groups, tours, events, and specializes in engaging visitors and sharing his knowledge of the area.
Garry Williamson
Exhibit Designer/Graphic Artist
Garry is a Fort Smith native who moved to Memphis, TN after high school to attend college where he received his Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in graphic design and illustration from Memphis College of Art. Shortly after graduating college he was hired as the first in-house designer for Graceland, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. in Memphis. While working in the Creative Resources dept. at Graceland, he worked with all departments of the company with any creative assistance and visual development. After living and working in Memphis for 20+ years, Garry moved back home to Fort Smith, AR to be closer to his family. He first started as a volunteer worker at FSMH in Spring of 2020 and shortly after, was hired on to fill the position of Museum Exhibit Designer. He is excited at the opportunity to help present and share the colorful and fascinating history of Fort Smith.
2022-2023 Board of Trustees
President
Kathleen Caldarera
Vice-president
Gary Hunt
Treasurer
Sam Terry
Secretary
Gala Forsgren
*Denotes Past Presidents
Danny Baker
David Blount
*Deborah Yeager Clark
Ed Devero
Dusty Duke
Gary Duke
Gala Forsgren
*Chuck Girard
Darlin Kightlinger
Jennifer Kelly
Aaron Nickson
Claude Legris
Bob Marsh
Madeline Santiago Martinez
David Roberts
Cynthia Rockwell
Wendy Sharum
*Melissa Sikes
*Anthony Sims
Helen Ann Whorton
Marcus Woodward