Staff Matters: Meet Our New Additions

The Archives is made up of wonderful, helpful, and hard working individuals who strive to acquire, preserve, and make accessible records that document the history of the Smithsonian Institution. Some of our staff have been at the Smithsonian for 30 plus years, while others are just beginning their tenure here. There will be some changes in the office as we welcome new staff members coming on board this summer and fall who bring their expertise and new ideas to the Archives.

Continuing our series on introducing new staff, I'd like to welcome our new Archives Technician for our Archives and Information Management Team, Patrick Milhoan. 

What do you do?

I am currently an archives technician responsible for processing incoming collections and creating finding aids for user access.

Favorite spot in Washington, DC to recommend:

While not actually located in DC, one of my favorite spots in the area is Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia. The grounds of the President's estate, as well as the spectacular views of the Potomac River, make for a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the District.

Collection Favorites:

So far, my favorite items are the Mary Henry Diaries contained within Record Unit 7001. Mary Henry was the daughter of the first Secretary of the Smithsonian and these diaries offer an intriguing look into the many different aspects of Washington D.C. during the era of the Civil War, such as the Battle of Gettysburg and the assassination of President Lincoln.

Next up is Miguel Argueta, our new Finance and Administration Assistant.

What’s your educational background?

I have a BFA in Studio Arts from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Florida International University.

What do you do at SIA?

I’m the Finance and Administrative Assistant, I collaborate with our Finance Director to ensuring that we have an effective and efficient processes that allows our SIA team to perform at their optimal level.

What is the strangest/most interesting thing you have discovered at SIA so far?

The most interesting thing I have discovered is how much historical documentation we hold about the Smithsonian Institution itself.

What is the most unexpected thing you have learned about working here?

The most unexpected thing I have learned is the openness of the resources we provide to the public and to the researchers that come through SIA.

Favorite spot in DC to recommend to visitors?

As an admirer of art my I would recommend National Gallery of Art, they have an array of artwork and artists to discover.