Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society is pleased to announce that Angela Fritz will be joining the organization as administrator for the Division of Collections starting March 1, 2021. Prior to accepting the position she served as the Head of the University Archives at Notre Dame, Hesburgh Libraries. Previous roles also include, Interim Head of Special Collections and University Archives at the University of Arkansas Libraries, Assistant Presidential Diarist and Archivist at the White House and archivist at the Office of Presidential Libraries and Museums at the National Archives.
“I am very excited that Angela Fritz is joining the Wisconsin Historical Society. Her leadership and expertise in library and archives as well as public history is a great addition to our team of librarians, archivists, curators, historians and specialists,” said Christian Overland, Ruth and Hartley Barker director & CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Angela is also a leader in digitizing and creating access to cultural and historical resources and will provide the vision and expertise needed to democratize our world class Wisconsin and North American History collections.”
Her responsibilities will include developing leadership and strategic direction related to the Collections Leadership Team which is comprised of curatorial, archives, library, public services, collection development, collection management, preservation and conservation. She will lead the division’s strategic planning, business planning efforts, and develop collaborative and inclusive work processes.
She will be responsible for all aspects of the Society’s state and national history collections with a library of more than 4 million items. This position also includes the State Archivist responsibilities for the program that manages and preserves the historical records of both state and local governments.
In addition, the Administrator oversees Society operations at the State Archive Preservation Facility (SAPF) in Madison, as well as partnerships with the University of Wisconsin-Madison libraries and the Area Research Centers (ARC) at 12 other University of Wisconsin campuses along with the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center to provide broader access to the Society’s collections.
Fritz has a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from University of Iowa, a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from University of Wisconsin – Madison, a Master’s degree in American History from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and a Ph.D. in American History and Public History from Loyola University.
