Biography
Brian Fors became Curator of the Waring Historical Library and MUSC Library faculty member in 2019. He earned his PHD in American History from the University of Iowa, and is a Certified Archivist and Digital Archives Specialist. His responsibilities include reference, historical interpretation and public outreach, preservation, acquisitions, and general management of the university's rare book and special collection. The collections includes books dating back to the 1500s, manuscript collections, and artifacts highlighting the history of medicine and the health sciences. He has experience as an historian, archivist, history faculty, and administrator.
Education
2018 Digital Archives Specialist (DAS), Society of American Archivists
2017 Certified Archivist, Academy of Certified Archivists
1995 Ph.D. American Diplomatic History
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
1994 Archivist Training and Intern Program (1992-1994)
National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC
1988 M.A. History
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
1987 B.A. History, Political Science minor
Minnesota State University-Moorhead, Moorhead, MN
Professional Experience
Curator, Waring Historical Library, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Historian and Archivist, The History Writers, Mankato, MN
Interim Dean, Sciences and Health Professions, Rochester Community and Technical College, Rochester, MN
Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, South Central College, North Mankato and Faribault, MN
Interim Provost, Mesabi Range College, Virginia and Eveleth, MN
Adjunct History Faculty, St. Mary's University, Winona, MN
Faculty, History and Political Science, Gogebic Community College, Ironwood, MI
Archivist, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
Adjunct History Faculty, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, MD
Archivist, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
Adjunct History Faculty, Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN
Civic and Community Involvement
ARCHIVES RELATED:
- Member, Society of American Archivists, 2015 - present
- Heritage Preservation Commission member, Mankato, MN, 2015 – 2019
- Archival Consultant: Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, 2017
- Archival Consultant: Betsy-Tacy Society, Mankato, MN, 2011-2012
- Archival Consultant: Ironwood (MI) Historical Society, 1998-2000
HISTORY RELATED:
- Historic Canoe Interpretive Guide and brochure development for Flambeau Trail; Hurley (WI) Chamber of Commerce, 1999-2000
- Regional Judge, History Day Competition, Minnesota Historical Society, 2015-2016.
- Historical Consultant, Wisconsin Humanities Council/Iron County Development, 2003-2006
- National Judge, History Day Competition, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 1996
OTHER:
- Board of Directors, Greater Mankato Diversity Council, Mankato, MN, 2010 –2013
- Charter Member, American Association of University Women, Ironwood, MI, 2003
- Volunteer, Hurley, WI, Public Schools, 1996-1998
Papers, Projects, Publications & Presentations
- “Dotson: The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of American Manufacturing” - current project.
- “Hmong in South East Asia; The Miao Rebellion and Hmong Migration” South Central College Global Connections Conference, North Mankato, MN. October 9-10, 2014.
- “The Dakota War: A Historical Perspective”South Central College Global Connections Conference, North Mankato, MN. October 11-12, 2012
- "The Dakota War,” A Synapse: Building Connections Between Neurons, Ideas, and Community Presentation.South Central College Lecture Series. January 18, 2012
- “Developing Your Archival Collection,” Presentation at the Northwestern Regional Convention, Wisconsin Council for Local History, September 27, 2003.
- Abstracter, ABC-CLIO, Historical Abstracts and America: History and Life, 2001 – 2006.
- “The 1931 Panamanian Revolution and the United States: A Response to Central American Political Instability.” Great Lakes History Conference, Historical Perspectives on Diplomacy and Negotiation. Grand Rapids, MI; October 1998.
- “An Historical View of Racial and Ethnic Violence in America,” Presentation for Public Forum on Racial Intolerance in America, Gogebic Community College, Ironwood, MI; September 1997.
- “Naval Academy Library (A Short History),” United States Naval Academy’s 150th Anniversary Yearbook; 1995.
- “Politics, History and the Public.” Northern Great Plains History Conference, Grand Forks, ND; October 1990.