Eileen J. Manchester is manager of the Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative in the Professional Learning and Outreach Initiatives office.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I studied English, French and German, which was my way of cobbling together a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature, even though my university didn’t offer it as a major.
I was always drawn to language and literature because, from my own experiences, I know that language shapes the way we view and make meaning of the world.
I was very lucky to have pivotal research experiences early in my academic career, using the archives at the Bibliothèque nationale de France and the British Library to uncover the story of a 16th-century French poet whose daughters published her work after her death.
Inspired by my mom’s second career in higher education, I simultaneously sought experiences in teaching. I tutored at my local library, interned at the Freedom School Partners literacy program in Charlotte and traveled to South Africa to learn more about its education system.
I then continued my studies of early modern women writers at the University of Oxford with the support of the Ertegun Graduate Fellowship in the Humanities.
At Oxford, I worked in local schools and libraries as a tutor and gained experience on various public humanities projects. As much as I loved historical research and analysis, I always knew I wanted to work in a role where I would be enabling other people’s learning as well.
What brought you to the Library, and what do you do?
While in graduate school, I had the privilege of connecting with two mentors (relationships lasting to this day!) who worked at the Library and opened my eyes to a career path in education and cultural heritage.
I was fortunate to land a position as a junior fellow in summer 2018. After the fellowship, I worked full time as a high school English teacher in Washington, D.C., then returned to the Library in the summer of 2019.
After five years as an innovation specialist in the Office of the Chief Information Officer, I joined the Professional Learning and Outreach Initiatives office in the Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement. I manage the Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative, which is a new addition to the Library’s longstanding Teaching with Primary Sources Program.
Grants awarded under the initiative fund educational projects that use primary sources and approaches related to music and the arts to engage students in learning about history, civics and democracy.
What are some of your standout projects?
I consider every encounter with one of our Lewis-Houghton partners a standout moment, because I always come away with more knowledge about the Library’s primary sources and the many creative ways they can be used for teaching and learning.
One particular highlight took place at the 2024 National Council for the Social Studies conference. Our partners are not only music education and arts integration experts — they are musicians themselves. One of the teams flexed its musical muscles and performed “Do Doodle Oom,” a 1923 song by Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra. It was amazing to see the Library’s collections brought to life in this way!
Another standout project was being detailed to the Informal Learning Office as part of the Leadership Development Program.
I had the privilege of working with fabulously talented colleagues to launch “Family Day,” the new monthly Saturday program for families and young audiences. The program just turned one — you can read about it in the Feb. 14 Gazette!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
While “enjoy” is a strong word, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in education and human development at George Mason University. I recently advanced into the dissertation phase and am very grateful to continue to grow and develop as a scholar. I also love to read, travel, visit museums, spend time with family and take long walks with my dog and husband.
What is something your co-workers may not know about you?
English is not my first language! I was born in Germany and grew up speaking mostly German until we moved to the U.S. when I was five years old. I also learned French in school and am constantly looking for language partners. Please be in touch!
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