Staff

Staff

Michele Anstine (she/her)

Executive Director

Michele joined Delaware Humanities in 2018 after working over 20 years in the history and museum field. Her undergraduate degree focused on American History, but she pursued a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies, realizing that her research and work was most effective when her approach was multidisciplinary.

At Delaware Humanities she works closely with the board of directors and staff members to strategically propel the organization forward and increase access to the humanities for Delawareans. She is a board member of both the Delaware Museum Association and the Forum of Executive Women Delaware.

Ciera Fisher (she/her)

Deputy Director

Ciera received her Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Anthropology. She has over 10 years of experience in nonprofit management and public programming and has worked for the Lock House Museum, the Maryland Park Service, and the Maryland Center for History and Culture.

Previously the Program Officer at Delaware Humanities, Ciera now focuses on operations management for the organization. 

Rebecca Olsen, PhD (she/her)

Senior Programs Officer

Rebecca received her Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Delaware in 2022. She previously worked as a humanities educator in museums, libraries, and classrooms.

At Delaware Humanities, Rebecca manages and develops programs such as the Speaker and Facilitator programs, Museum on Main Street, and partnership programming with the Delaware Museum Association.

Rachel Urs-Sheffield (she/her)

Program Assistant

Rachel Sheffield received her bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Franklin & Marshall College in 2019. Since then she has worked for Delaware State Parks and Colonial Williamsburg to gain experience in public programming, living history, historic costume creation, and program coordination. Rachel looks forward to working with this dedicated team to continue to share her love of history and the humanities with Delaware.

Helen Siers (she/they)

Grants and Operations Manager

Helen Siers received her M.A. in History from the University of Delaware in 2020, where she also received her Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies. She has previously worked and volunteered with various museums and institutions, and is looking forward to working with this team to help improve communities in Delaware.

Kelly Murray (she/her)

Engagement and Media Relations Manager

Kelly received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Delaware in 2010. She has 12 years of experience in editorial writing, marketing communications, and film/video production; and has worked for media organizations including QVC and Philadelphia Women in Film & Television (PWIFT). In addition to her professional endeavors, Kelly is passionate about the arts and humanities and has previous experience volunteering in arts education and at living history museums. She is thrilled to join the Delaware Humanities team and support its mission through communications and storytelling.