Oct

Introducing Troy Huber

Meet the newest member of the OVS staff: An enthusiastic historian and writer with a touch of Army discipline.

Photo courtesy of Troy Huber

At one time, the Army had a recruiting slogan that went, “be all you can be.” The Office of Visitor Services’ newest member is certainly on a path to serve that slogan well. Troy Huber joined OVS in August of this year after working in education and visitor services at the National Museum of the United States Army (you see what we did there.) He also has served in the sam roles at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.

As the Castle Volunteer Coordinator, Troy will oversee several activities related to the Castle and surrounding areas, including the OVS Ambassador program. This program was introduced in 2023 and will continue with recruitment for a new class later this fall. Troy has been researching and planning next year’s program and has some thoughts on where he would like the ambassador program to go. “The big thing is that I want them [the ambassadors] to be a consistently present and visible group on the Mall and in the various museums where they are assigned. I want to make sure they are set up for success with training and resources so that they know their stuff and can successfully engage with and assist anyone who might approach them anywhere in the Smithsonian.”

Louisiana-born, Troy’s journey to the Washington, D.C. area may have been destined. He grew up in an Air Force family, with most of his childhood spent overseas. In Europe, he lived in Italy, England, and Germany. He says he really doesn’t have a favorite place he lived because they were all very different experiences, but he does have a special fondness for Italy—its history, culture, and language. He is certain his interest in the field of history is rooted in his upbringing in Europe.

Couple stand before brick wall with sculptural pieces (Haines Point?) She is lifting one finger to show engagement ring.

Troy Huber and fiancee Erin celebrate their engagement. (Look closely–she’s not flipping you off!) Photo courtesy of Troy Huber

Troy and his family eventually moved back stateside, where he finished high school in Missouri. He completed his undergraduate education at Minot State University in North Dakota. (“Go Beavers!”) He then graduated with a master’s degree in Ancient and Classical History from the American Military University. (Perhaps you’re noticing a pattern?)

From there, Troy moved to the Washington, D.C. area to “try and find a job in the historic field.”

In addition to his time at Mount Vernon and the Army Museum, Troy was an editor at the three newspapers that comprise Tax Notes, dedicated to the state, federal, and international tax industry. He is also a self-published author of fiction. Troy says, with more than a hint of self-deprecation, “Whether it’s good fiction or not, who am I to say?” His first book came out in 2020 and a second book is scheduled to be released around Christmas. Just in time for stocking stuffers!

Two cats curled up and asleep on a blanket.

Millie and Macaroni take a brief break from yelling for food. (Photo courtesy of Troy Huber)
(Ed Note: Our eagle editorial eye has spotted a blanket that appears to do double duty as a map of Middle Earth. Cats have excellent taste.)

Troy is newly engaged to his fiancée Erin with a little help from his soon to be mother-in-law (inside story, you’ll have to ask.) They live with their two cats Millie and Macaroni who enjoy food, naps, yelling, yelling for food, wresting, and yes, more food. We welcome Troy to the Office of Visitor Services and look forward to all of the exciting things he has in store!