Indiana Historical Society
Jody Blankenship has a extensive work experience in the historical society field. Jody currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer at the Indiana Historical Society since 2019. Prior to this role, they were the Chief Executive Officer at the Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library from 2013 to 2018. Jody also worked as the Director of the Education Division at the Kentucky Historical Society from 2009 to 2013. Before that, they held multiple roles at the Ohio History Connection, including Manager of the Outreach & Field Services Department and Archivist.
Jody Blankenship completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in History at Ohio Northern University from 1995 to 2000. Later, from 2000 to 2002, Jody pursued a Master of Arts degree in History Museum Studies, specifically in the Cooperstown Graduate Program at SUNY Oneonta. Aside from their degrees, Jody also obtained additional certifications such as Nonprofit Finance from Cornell University in 2020, Museum Leadership Institute from Claremont Graduate University in 2018, and History Leadership Institute from the American Association for State and Local History in 2007.
Indiana Historical Society
Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting and sharing the state’s history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation’s premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; produces and hosts art exhibitions, museum theater and outside performance groups; and provides youth, adult and family programs. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.