Meet the Staff

Sarah Richardt, Executive Director

As the Executive Director of small museums and historic preservation agencies since 2013, Sarah understands that telling the stories can impact a community is vital in truthful dialog. She believes that her past experiences directly relate to the mission of the Shelby County Historical Society.

Sarah has worked in a variety of historic genres in her career such as a frame house as part of the Underground Railroad, a Victorian mansion, and a folk art museum. Working in a traditional small museum does not mean traditionally small ideas. She has expanded the history of small museums in a targeted way to dig deeper into the stories that had previously been untold. In her public history position, she has curated a folk art exhibit working with both collectors as well as cultural institutions to bring together public and private art.

email: director@grovercenter.org

Nicole Collings, Museum Assistant

Nicole, a native of Shelbyville, began her role as Museum Assistant at the Grover Center in January 2024, bringing with her a longstanding connection to the museum and a deep passion for her community’s heritage. Her relationship with the Grover Center began years earlier when she volunteered during her school years—a time that sparked her commitment to preserving local history.

In her current role, Nicole handles a wide range of responsibilities, including administrative tasks, supporting the director, and helping coordinate and execute events. Her event experience includes everything from large-scale fundraisers and educational field trips to themed days like Root Beer Float Day, Juneteenth celebrations, and the annual Festival of Trees. She plays a hands-on role in making sure each event runs smoothly and meaningfully engages the public.

Nicole is especially excited about the upcoming cemetery exhibit, where she’ll be contributing to the curation process. She sees projects like this as vital opportunities to honor the stories of past generations and make local history accessible and engaging for the future. Her passion for Shelbyville runs deep, and she’s proud to be part of an organization that shares and preserves the legacy of the community she calls home.

Nolan Chaddon, Intern

Nolan Chaddon is currently serving as an intern at the Grover Center, where he is contributing to exhibit development and preservation efforts. A native of Shelbyville, Nolan is especially involved in helping curate a permanent installation dedicated to local artist Roland Hobart—a project that reflects his passion for both art history and community heritage.

Nolan recently graduated from Indiana University Bloomington, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Art History with minors in English and Anthropology. During his time at IU, he was honored with the Robert E. Burke Award for Art History and the Carl Voegelin Undergraduate Paper Prize in Anthropology, recognizing his academic excellence and interdisciplinary curiosity.

Outside of his internship, Nolan works as a field researcher for the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center, where he conducts interviews and collects biometric data as part of national social research initiatives. Known for his thoughtfulness, professionalism, and eye for detail, Nolan brings a well-rounded and creative perspective to his museum work. His interests in drawing, theater, and cultural storytelling continue to inform his approach to exhibit curation and public engagement.

Brooke Dennis, Intern

Brooke Dennis is currently serving as a film intern at the Grover Center, where she plays a key role in creating video content and digital storytelling pieces that enhance the museum’s public engagement. With a strong background in youth arts programming and media communication, Brooke brings both creativity and leadership to her work behind the camera.

A Shelbyville native, Brooke is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Production at Ball State University after completing her Indiana College Core courses at Ivy Tech Community College. Her interest in media and storytelling is rooted in years of experience directing and managing youth theatre summer camps with Shelby County Players, where she developed and led programming, collaborated with artistic teams, and mentored young performers.

Brooke’s work at the museum reflects her passion for community engagement, her strong communication skills, and her ability to bring history to life through film. Whether capturing behind-the-scenes moments or producing polished video segments, she’s helping the Grover Center share its stories with new audiences in compelling and creative ways.