Preserving Stories, Not Just Artifacts
Katie Swaringen and Shelby Dains from the Sullenberger Aviation Museum join Oui Talk Raw for a conversation about what it means to preserve history — and the people inside it.
Katie, VP of Collections, has spent over a decade helping shape the museum’s direction, including leading the redesign of the exhibition space centered around US Airways Flight 1549, the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Shelby, a Collections Specialist who began as an intern, brings a newer perspective — working hands-on in curating stories that have already reached tens of thousands of visitors.
In this episode, Terry Hudson explores how museum work goes far beyond archiving. It’s about how stories are told, how experiences are designed, and how moments in history continue to impact people today.
From the emotional weight of the Miracle on the Hudson exhibit to the unseen details behind curation, this conversation highlights the responsibility and intention behind preserving what matters.
Building the Miracle on the Hudson Exhibit
Katie Swaringen and Shelby Dains
I am currently the Vice President of Collections at Sullenberger Aviation Museum. I joined the Museum’s team in May of 2011. In my time with SAM, I have held a variety of roles, all focused on advancing the professionalism of the museum. Most notably I was the onsite project manager for the redesign of the exhibition space featuring the US Airways Flight 1549, the “Miracle on the Hudson” aircraft. Since then I have been focused on professionalizing collections care and the curation of the important stories that surround our unique collection of artifacts.
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