An Interview with Ashley Rose Young, Curator of American History

Today’s interview is with Dr. Ashley Rose Young, Curator of American History in the Rare Book and Special Collections Division. An experienced cultural heritage professional and public historian, Ashley recently joined the Library to steward and interpret one of the world’s most significant collections of rare books and printed ephemera related to American life.

How has your passion for public scholarship shaped your journey to the Library of Congress?

Ashley:

My passion for public scholarship has been the throughline of my career. I’ve always believed that history should be accessible and meaningful beyond the academy—that it should invite people into conversation about who we are and how we got here. Whether I was curating public programs at the Smithsonian, interviewing with and writing for outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, or speaking with community groups, I’ve been motivated by a desire to connect rigorous research with broad audiences.

That commitment is what drew me to the Library of Congress. The Rare Book and Special Collections Division houses extraordinary materials that can spark curiosity and dialogue, and I see my role as helping those resources resonate with as many people as possible. Arriving here feels like a natural extension of the work I’ve always loved—bringing history to life in ways that are engaging, inclusive, and meaningful.

 

Has writing your own book influenced the way that you assist others with their research projects?

Ashley:

Absolutely. Writing my forthcoming book, Nourishing Networks: The Public Culture of Food in New Orleans, was a life-changing but challenging journey. Years of archival research taught me firsthand how exhilarating discoveries can be—and how overwhelming the process sometimes feels. Along the way, I came to deeply appreciate the guidance and generosity of archivists and librarians who answered countless questions and pointed me toward materials I might have otherwise overlooked.

That experience gave me both empathy and gratitude. I know what it’s like to wrestle with sources and deadlines, and how transformative it can be when someone on the other side of the desk offers thoughtful guidance. I carry that spirit into my role at the Library of Congress, where I’m excited to support scholars and writers as they make their own discoveries.

 

 

What authors or experiences sparked your initial interest in American history?

Ashley:

My earliest inspiration came from my parents. My father, a historian and retired high school teacher, instilled in me a love of the past and a respect for the power of education. My mother, a trailblazing food entrepreneur in the gourmet grocery space, taught me through her example that innovation and perseverance are forces that not only drive individual success but also shape the broader currents of American life. Their careers and values guided me toward my own path as a historian with a special interest in the history of food, culture, and society.

That path eventually led me to serve as the Historian of the Smithsonian Food History Project at the National Museum of American History. For seven years, I engaged the public in conversations about the nation’s history through the lens of food—a theme that connects us all. During these programs, we covered a myriad of topics including the American Revolution, the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, the advent of Major League Baseball, and the Space Race. Those experiences prepared me to interpret the broad sweep of American history here at the Library of Congress, where I’m especially eager to highlight the richness of our collections as we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Do you have a favorite example of humor in food history?

Ashley:

One of my favorite examples comes from the streets of New Orleans, where food vendors often used humor to attract customers. Street cries could be playful, clever, or a little silly—like the vendor who sold artichokes and sang out, “I got arti-CHOKES by the neck!” Moments like that always make me smile, but they also reveal something deeper: these entrepreneurs played a vital role in feeding urban America, using every tool—including wit—to connect with their communities. It’s a fun reminder that humor has long been part of marketing strategies in the food world and beyond.

What have you found most inspiring in your first month in the Rare Book Division?

Ashley:

Without a doubt, it’s the passion and expertise of the Rare Book and Special Collections team. They are brilliant, generous with their knowledge, and bring tremendous enthusiasm to their work. From rare book displays shared with visitors to public programs celebrating the art of modern book making, it’s inspiring—and refreshing—to see such creativity and dedication in action. I feel proud to be joining this dynamic group.

One of my favorite experiences so far has been asking colleagues to take me on what I call “stacks adventures.” Walking through the rare book stacks with them, hearing about their favorite collections, and learning the pearls of wisdom they’ve gathered over the years has been extraordinary. Some of the stories behind these books are so powerful that I’ve found myself genuinely moved. Those moments are a vivid reminder of how alive and meaningful the history in our collections remains.

What is the best way to connect with you?

Ashley:

Please feel free to reach out through the Rare Book and Special Collection Division’s Ask-A-Librarian. That way, I can send resources, links, information, and easily connect you with other specialists at the Library.

Click here to subscribe to Bibliomania and never miss a post!