Sean FitzGibbons

Charlotte McCoy

Charlotte McCoy brings 30 years of communication and marketing experience to the History Museum on the Square. After graduating with a master’s degree in Communications from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Charlotte and her family relocated for 10 years before moving back to Missouri. During her career, Charlotte has worked in various industries, including consumer packaged goods, retail, and fast food. In 1998, Charlotte and her family moved back to Springfield. Charlotte spent 15 years as Marketing/Special Events Director at Discovery Center of Springfield and was Partnership Strategist with GigSalad.

Joan Hampton-Porter

Joan Hampton-Porter is responsible for the care of approximately 100,000 artifacts in the museum’s collection. She curates approximately 3 to 4 exhibits per year and gives lectures and programs as needed. Joan has a B.A. in Middle School Education with an emphasis in Social Science and Language Arts from Fontbonne College and a M.A. in History with an emphasis in Museum Studies from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Sarah Dotson

Sarah Dotson attended Missouri State University where she earned a B.A. in Art History and a B.A. in Visual Art and Culture with an emphasis in Museum Studies. Sarah worked as an Art History Area Assistant and Grant Research Assistant while attending MSU and completed internships with Christian County Museum, Springfield Art Museum, and Springfield Regional Arts Council. Her research has been featured in the Christian County Historian newsletter and several public exhibitions. Sarah has presented papers at the MSU Annual Intercollegiate Art History Symposium, Springfield’s First Friday Art Talk series, the Society for American Archaeology Annual Meeting, and the Missouri Archaeological Society Annual Meeting.

Whitney Mosley

As Education Manager, Whitney Mosley shares her love for learning with visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Her involvement with the History Museum on the Square began in 2020, working as the Diversity and Inclusion intern and, later, as a volunteer for educational programs and presentations. A local to southwest Missouri, she graduated from Missouri State University with a B.A. in Art History and an Undergraduate Certificate in Museum Studies. She officially joined the museum team in 2021 as Visitor Experience Associate before taking on her current role. Whitney is passionate about public education and is an advocate for accessibility and diversity in museums. She is delighted to help provide educational resources for her community and is proud to help share the history of Springfield and Greene County with such engaged audiences.

Jill Hodge

Jillian Hodge has joined the History Museum on the Square as the Civics Education Coordinator to develop, coordinate, and implement citizenship programs that will serve the community. This program is being funded through the Musgrave Citizenship Grant. Jill has a B.A. in History and Education from Drury University and a M.A. in English from Missouri State University. She brings 19 years of teaching experience in both formal and informal education. Jill has enjoyed teaching learners of all ages while working at local public schools, universities, the Discovery Center of Springfield, and volunteering for Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland.

Abby Foster

As the Special Events and Experience Manager at the History Museum on the Square, Abby  is dedicated to ensuring that every visitor has an exceptional experience. A graduate of Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Leadership, Abby joined the museum team in October 2023, bringing a background in the special events industry. Her passion lies in creating fun and engaging events that allow the community to celebrate and learn about local history. Abby is committed to making the museum a welcoming and dynamic space for all.

Alyssa Cartier

Alyssa attended Missouri State University, graduating with an undergraduate certificate, B.A. in Museum Studies, and a B.A. in Art History and Visual Culture. During her time in school, Alyssa worked as an assistant to the Art History and Museum Studies department and as a Gallery Assistant at the Robert & Margaret Carolla Arts Exhibition Center. She has presented at the annual Intercollegiate Art History Symposium, the Missouri Archeological Society annual meeting, and at Park Central Library as a part of Springfield’s First Friday Art Talk series. Alyssa is passionate about the importance of local history and enjoys sharing it with everyone who comes to the museum.

John Sellars

John Sellars is a native Springfieldian who was executive director of the History Museum on the Square from 2005-2022. In March 2022, he became Executive Director Emeritus. He began his career with the museum as a volunteer when it began as a part of the bicentennial celebration in 1976. After his retirement from a career in marketing in the beverage industry, John returned to Springfield and retired in 2004. He and his wife, Jane, a retired schoolteacher, have five children and seven grandchildren.