10 Jan Interview with Cypris Roalsvig on working with the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation
January 10, 2025
Cypris Roalsvig is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Classics, where they study the modern reception of Greek and Latin literature and the reinterpretations of classical mythology and drama in modern queer literature and theater. As an IHC Public Humanities Graduate Fellow, Roalsvig worked with the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation as their Public Engagement Fellow.
What projects and activities did you work on during your internship with the Trust?
As a Public Engagement Fellow, I worked on many projects with the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, all of which involved interacting with others in the local community. I helped run programming and events such as Archaeology Camp, the Asian American Film Series, and the “Manongs on the Central Coast” exhibit. Early in my internship, I excavated an archaeological trash pit with fourth- and fifth-grade students and taught them how to reconstruct a terracotta vessel. I also devoted considerable effort to transcribing oral histories from the local Filipino community in preparation for the exhibition now on display at Casa de la Guerra, helped set up and run tables at the Trust’s special events, and met many of the organization’s members.
Later in my internship, I worked in public history research and in visitor experience. At the Visitor Center, I welcomed guests and oriented them to the Presidio State Park. I cataloged archival materials into the Presidio Research Center’s subject files system. I joined the Wiki-A-Thon project with the local research community and the Santa Barbara Public Library to expand the pages of locally famous places and people. As a part of this project, I contributed to the ongoing editing of Yda Addis’s Wikipedia page by incorporating new primary source research and ensuring that the portrayal of her life was unbiased, balanced, and well-sourced.
How did your graduate training prepare you for this internship?
The IHC graduate seminars on public humanities that I took were helpful in preparing me for how to act professionally as a representative of my school and myself in the business world and nonprofit sphere. As a Classics scholar, my background in museums and archaeology provided a strong foundation for the Presidio tours I assisted with as well as the educational activities I led during the archaeology camp. The Wiki-A-Thon project on Yda Addis required me to delve into archival materials, analyze primary sources, and collaborate with others at the local events to share findings and refine the content—all research skills I had gained from being a graduate student.
What new skills did you develop?
I learned how to sort through archival materials and how to run the front desk of a state historic park. The hands-on experience with the Presidio Research Center’s cataloging system taught me the Library of Congress system and how to edit entries for archival sources in a database. I improved my information taxonomy skills when reorganizing the subject titles and content. I learned how to properly reshelve books, assign barcodes, and input data that adheres to the MARC (machine-readable cataloging) bibliographic standards of digital formats for readable descriptions of print items. Working at the Visitor Center improved my ability to communicate information effectively and to tailor tours to different age groups and interests. I learned how to open and close the eight historic buildings, enable security alarms, coordinate community events, and run the cash register at the gift shop, all which are crucial for effective public history work.
What did you enjoy the most?
My favorite part was talking to and working with the people of Santa Barbara. Guiding children through hands-on archaeological activities and watching their excitement grow as they unearthed pieces of the past was a highlight of my time here. It reinforced my passion for making history accessible and inspiring the next generation to explore this field. The work I did on the Filipino Oral Histories Project was particularly meaningful to me as it provided an opportunity to preserve and share the voices of a community whose history has often been overlooked. At the community events leading up to the exhibit, it was rewarding to be able to chat in person with the culture bearers whose stories I had been listening to. I also witnessed firsthand how the Asian American Affinity Group’s efforts brought people together for the yearly summer Film Festival, creating a space for shared stories and cultural appreciation. Being part of these events not only deepened my understanding of the local Asian American community’s history and contributions but also made me feel connected to the broader mission of the Trust—to celebrate the town’s layered history.
How might this experience influence your understanding of and interest in publicly engaged work?
The skills I developed during this internship provided me with a more comprehensive understanding of how to translate academic expertise into impactful public humanities work. The hands-on experience in historical preservation provided a practical application for my academic knowledge in archaeology. Engaging directly with the public at community events deepened my commitment to making information accessible to broader audiences. This experience has given me practical tools that I can apply to my remaining graduate work, particularly in how I communicate my research and engage with different audiences. It also solidified my commitment to pursuing a career that makes historical knowledge available for everyone.
Moving forward, I’m more determined than ever to pursue opportunities that blend my academic background with public engagement. I am now keen on exploring career opportunities that leverage these skills, such as roles in museum curation, public history, or educational program development. I want to ensure that my scholarship has a tangible, positive impact on the communities I study and serve and that my work remains grounded in real-world applications and community involvement.
Click here to learn more about the IHC Public Humanities Graduate Fellows Program.