Rachel Smith

Curator, Educator, Researcher, Historian

United States

As a museum professional, historian, and arts and culture enthusiast, I write quality content for exhibits, blog posts, web content, newsletter articles, press releases, video scripts, and social media. I seek to bring history to life and inspire curiousity in the world around us.

Below is a selection of my work, including content for the Rogers Historical Museum, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Texas Historical Commission, and Waco City Cable Channel.

Contact me: [email protected]

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Portfolio
Rogers Historical Museum
07/11/2022
Creative Minds in the Ozarks

The Ozarks have been home to many artists, including painters, woodworkers, and craftsmen. Through the years, artists have found inspiration in the natural wonders of the Ozarks through new and old art forms. Some artists were born here while others came from near and far. Oftentimes, they had no formal training, just a creative spirit. Many of the artworks exhibited here honor the beauty of the Ozarks and celebrate traditional crafts.

Rogers Historical Museum
04/11/2022
Aprons: Function to Fad

A virtual walk-through of the temporary exhibit "Aprons: Function to Fad". Aprons have served both function and fashion through the centuries. In the upcoming exhibit, Aprons: Function to Fad, you’ll see everything from utilitarian aprons used by housewives and tradesmen to novelty aprons used just for show. Learn how aprons can often tell stories about the people that wore them and sometimes even reflect their personal style.

Rogers Historical Museum
03/05/2022
Welcoming Baby tour script

The arrival of a new baby is a greatly anticipated event for many, and no less so for families of the Victorian era. Home births were still a common practice at the turn of the 20th century, often aided by the local doctor or midwife. In 1900, a woman would give birth on average four times in her life.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
06/26/2021
Artifact Spotlight: 1863 Currency Note

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum has a large collection of paper currency dating back to the Republic of Texas. The currency collection includes rare paper notes from the United States, Confederate States of America, Republic of Texas, and Mexico. These delicate paper notes are not currently on display in the museum. Fortunately, many of these items can now be found on the online collections database!

https://vimeo.com/529455497
Waco City Cable Channel
03/26/2021
Discovering the Legend Ep. 40 - Rangers and Politics 1900-1935

Presented by The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, this series takes a look at some interesting stories covering more than two centuries of law enforcement by the revered members of the Texas Rangers. In this episode we take a look at the new exhibit "Texas Rangers and Politics: 1900-1935", and the influence of politics on the professionalization of the Ranger Force.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
10/28/2020
Artifact Spotlight: Poll Tax Receipt

Today’s Artifact Spotlight is a 1923 poll tax receipt for Ranger J. E. Vaughan. Vaughan had spent several years as a Ranger and resigned in 1920 to successfully run for Sheriff of Presidio County. His name, age, and occupation are listed on the receipt.

https://vimeo.com/427473362
Waco City Cable Channel
06/09/2020
Discovering the Legend #37- The Four Great Captains

Presented by The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, this series takes a look at some interesting stories covering more than two centuries of law enforcement by the revered members of the Texas Rangers. In this episode, we learn about the Four Great Captains, who witnessed the transition of the Rangers from frontier days to the 20th century.

https://vimeo.com/378637128
Waco City Cable Channel
12/10/2019
Discovering the Legend #34 - Sutton-Taylor Feud

Presented by The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, this series takes a look at some interesting stories covering more than two centuries of law enforcement by the revered members of the Texas Rangers. In this episode we feature the exhibit "The Sutton Collection: Feuds and Family". The exhibit explores the life of Laura and Willie Sutton in the aftermath of the infamous Sutton-Taylor feud.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
02/22/2019
Captain J. M. Fox and the Porvenir Massacre - Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

Captain J. M. Fox and the Porvenir Massacre by Rachel Smith, Collections Assistant Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum James Monroe Fox had a long career in Texas law enforcement. He had been working as a Constable in Travis County when he accepted a commission as a Texas Ranger Captain.

Texas Historical Commission
07/11/2017
Black Confederates and Civil War Memory

At the Confederate Reunion Grounds in Mexia, annual reunions were regularly held that attracted veterans and their families from across Texas to share several days together feasting and reminiscing about their time during the Civil War.