Frederike VerspoorArchivist (Retired)
Why did you want to become an archivist?
While studying history at university, I did research using original records at an archives in Amsterdam. Working at an archives seemed a perfect fit for my interest in history, my passion for research and my desire to preserve and provide access to the records which form the basis for historical research.
How did you become an archivist?
After obtaining master’s degrees in history and library science and working for several years as a librarian in research libraries, chance and circumstance finally provided the opportunity to work as an archivist.
What do you do as archivist?
I describe records, create research guides, provide reference and research assistance, and participate in public programs such as Archives Boot Camp and This Week in History. I also work on the genealogy database.