The National Museum of Industrial History is excited to announce that Andria Zaia has been hired as the museum’s Curator of Collections.  As the Curator of Collections, Zaia is responsible for overseeing the Museum’s vast collection of iron, steel, textile, and industrial artifacts and archival materials.  Among her primary duties will be the research, accession and conservation of artifacts and serving as a liaison with the Smithsonian Institution.

Zaia has a Master’s degree in Anthropology from New Mexico Highlands University and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology at Drew University.  With a background in collections, education, and exhibit curation, Zaia has previously worked in a variety of museum environments for over 20 years.  Prior to joining the National Museum of Industrial History, Zaia most recently served as the Curator of Collections and Archives at the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society (NCHGS).  There, she played an integral role in designing exhibits at the society’s Sigal Museum, located in Easton, PA.  Before the NCHGS, she worked at the Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites as a Museum Educator.  In addition to her background in museum work, Zaia is also a professor of Anthropology at Northampton County Community College and specializes in textile manufacturing in the American Southwest and North Africa.

“With Andria’s breadth of knowledge in assisting with the collections and exhibitions at other great institutions like the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society, she is a perfect compliment to the Museum’s diverse team.” says NMIH’s President and CEO, Amy Hollander.  “With her extensive experience she will help guide the museum to its opening this summer and far into the future.”

A resident of Bethlehem, Zaia maintains an active role in the community and serves on the Board of Directors for the Moravian Historical Society.

About the National Museum of Industrial History

A Smithsonian Affiliate, the National Museum of Industrial History is dedicated to preserving America’s rich industrial heritage. Restoring a 40,000-square-foot, 100-year-old former Bethlehem Steel facility on the largest private brownfield in America, the Museum will be home to exciting exhibits, engaging programs and amazing history.  For more information on NMIH please visit http://nmih.org or call 610-694-6644.