Columbia State Community College will host speaker Rachel Helvering for “Adventures in History: The Professional Historian at Work” on November 7 at 4 p.m. in room 118 of the Clement Building on the Columbia Campus. 

“History as a profession offers many fascinating opportunities for those who love the discipline,” said Dr. Barry Gidcomb, Columbia State dean of the Humanities and Social Sciences Division and professor of history. “The Columbia State History Department's Adventures in History series highlights professional historians in employment fields other than teaching.”

Rachel Helvering, director of the President James K. Polk Home and Museum, will share stories and experiences from her career in public history including her current position and her previous work with the Tennessee State Museum. She will also discuss how her experience working with a children’s museum during her college years fueled her love of museums and led her into the field of public history.  

The event is free and open to the public. The Frank G. Clement Building is on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.