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

Sarah Blackwell, Collections and Archives Manager

Sarah brings both hands-on experience and a deep personal passion for preservation, accessibility, and representation in the museum field. She recently graduated with a BFA in Digital Art from Indiana University Bloomington, where her creative work often intersected with historical narratives and archival research.

Before joining the Grover Center, Sarah worked as a Conservation Assistant at the Lilly Library, where she trained in rare book and manuscript housing and conservation. There, she developed a meticulous approach to preservation, learning from leading experts how to safely restore and protect valuable historical materials for future generations.

Sarah’s background also includes curatorial work, including co-organizing the 2024 online exhibition Let me hear you repeat this tone as a response to the cancellation of a major retrospective. Her commitment to accessibility and inclusion in the archive and museum space reflects both her artistic practice and personal values.

As Collections and Archives Manager, Sarah is dedicated to preserving the region’s history while making it more inclusive and engaging for all. Her vision aligns with the Grover Center’s mission of connecting community and history through meaningful storytelling.

Nolan Chaddon, Museum Communications & Visitor Services Coordinator