Keith A. Hardison, executive director of the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, has appointed Molly Randolph as curator.
Ms. Randolph holds a master of arts degree in history of decorative arts from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. and a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology and sociology from Centre College in Danville, Ky.
Ms. Randolph served as curator of Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion and the Sallie Ellis Davis House. During her time as a graduate student, Ms.
Randolph participated in a year-long fellowship at the Smithsonian’s American History Museum. She completed a curatorial internship at the Fashion Museum in Bath, England, and began her career as a historic interpreter at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C.
“Molly Randolph is a well-qualified curator whose experiences at the Smithsonian, U.S. Capitol, and Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion have prepared her for her work at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. Mrs. Randolph will manage the Center’s collection of approximately 6,000 artifacts, including preparation of artifacts for exhibit. She will play a major role in the development and scheduling of changing exhibits. Herself a descendant of a Medal of Honor recipient, she will also recruit, train, and supervise a select group of interns and volunteers to assist her in her work," officials said.
Ms. Randolph will be responsible for the care and interpretation of the Center’s collection which ranges historically from the Civil War period to present day. She will also be responsible for multiple temporary exhibits each year in the museum that will allow the stories of Medal of Honor recipients to be explored in "new and innovative ways."
“I am honored to bring to life the remarkable stories of true American heroes and their extraordinary acts of heroism. We have a dynamic collection that really speaks to the bravery and sacrifice that represents the Medal of Honor and I look forward to sharing this in a world-class setting,” said Ms. Randolph.
"The mission of the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center is to memorialize the acts of valor demonstrated by the recipients of our highest military award and educate the next generation about the character traits associated with their gallantry, from the First Medal forward," officials said.
The 19,000-square-foot facility is located in downtown Chattanooga at Aquarium Plaza is set to open in February 2020. The Heritage Center will include a large permanent gallery with immersive, interactive exhibits on Medal of Honor recipients and a dedicated area for exhibits, classrooms, event rental space and gift shop. The facility will also serve as the hub for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s Character Development Program that teaches the six character traits which represent the Medal of Honor and its recipients – Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice and Commitment.