Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association Welcomes New Public Programs Coordinator, Hannah Schetselaar

The Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association (VPHA) is pleased to announce Hannah Schetselaar as its new Public Programs Coordinator.

Schetselaar joined VPHA in December 2025, bringing with her a strong background in historic house museums, research, event planning, and public education. Her work has included contributions to the Genealogy of Slavery Project, Dangerous Harbor, and several oral history initiatives dedicated to documenting underrepresented voices across the region. She has also collaborated with numerous museums and cultural institutions, including the Christiansburg Institute, Historic Smithfield, and most recently served as Education Assistant at Oatlands for the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

A graduate of Roanoke College, Schetselaar earned her B.S. in Psychology in 2022 before completing her M.A. in History and Public History Certificate at Virginia Tech in 2025. Raised in Prince William County, she developed an early appreciation for the landscape and historic sites of the Heritage Area, and that passion guided her commitment to preservation and interpretation. Though a colonial historian at heart, she enjoys exploring all eras of history. Her first academic publication will appear in the December 2025 issue of the Journal of Slavery and Data Preservation.

In her new role at VPHA, Schetselaar will plan, research, and execute a wide range of public programs for adult audiences. These include the organization’s annual Civil War Conference, author book talks, historic tours, and VPHA’s upcoming 250th commemoration programming. In addition to this wide range of programs throughout the year, Hannah will also assist VPHA Director of Education Travis Shaw in the research and publication of the organization’s many guides, driving tours, and educational content.

“We are delighted to welcome Hannah to the team,” said VPHA Executive Director Ian MacDougall. “Her experience, energy, and commitment to inclusive historic interpretation will be invaluable as we expand our public programming and deepen our community engagement.”