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.

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.