Dr. Gaila Sims is a public historian and museum educator specializing in African American history.

Originally from Riverside, California, Dr. Sims received her BA in History and African American Studies from Oberlin College and her MA and PhD in American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Her dissertation, Imprimatur of the State: Interpretation of Slavery at American State History Museums, examines representations of slavery at state history museums in Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Dr. Sims has held positions at several museums, archives, and cultural institutions, including the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Harry Ransom Center, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

Dr. Sims is committed to supporting emerging museum professionals, especially women of color, as they navigate the public history field. Please send a message if you are interested in connecting about mentorship.

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