Each month, the Museum invites you to get to know the staff supporting our pillars to Honor, Connect, Inspire and Educate. Meet Marie, our Grants and Stewardship Manager.

Q: What is your favorite place in the Museum and why?

A: In the Remembrance Gallery, there is the folded flag from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. It’s a very contemplative space in the Museum. Standing there looking out through the stained-glass ribbon windows and seeing your reflection on either side in the mirrors is a powerful experience. To me, it feels anonymous yet infinite, connecting us to the past and the future and every servicemember and every family who has sacrificed so much under the American flag.

Q: What are three words that best describe you?

A: Charismatic. Astute. Resilient.

Q: What is something that no one would believe about you?

A: Despite my dedication to fashion and impeccable footwear, I have spent most of my career in the dirt, sand and mud! My background is in archaeology and I’ve worked with some amazing artifacts and projects, including a pirate shipwreck! Sadly, I do not wear my heels at archaeological sites.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?  

A: I’d love to visit the Neues Museum in Berlin.

Q: We feature an #NVMMReads recommendation every month, what is a book that you think everyone should have on their “must-read” list?

A: “Jingo” by Terry Pratchett. It’s a brilliant social and political satire in a science fiction/fantasy setting.

Q: What are three items you would take with you on a desert island?

A: Assuming we have enough food and fresh water to sustain ourselves, I’d bring my dogs, my entire library of books and an iPod with an everlasting battery. Do the headphones count as a separate item? I feel like I’ve stretched the definition of “three” things.

Q: If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join and why?

A: I would have loved to be one of David Bowie’s touring musicians so I could listen to him sing every night. And for the fashion, of course.

Q: What’s your favorite board game?

A: Trivial Pursuit. To level the playing field, my family invents extra rules when we play any trivia game. Like making me collect extra pie pieces or go around the board twice before they’ll allow me to win!

Q: What is your go-to karaoke song?

A: “Zither” by R.E.M.