Bernadette Floresca has been promoted to head of archives management and strategies at Newcomb Institute in a notable stride towards advancing archival stewardship and promoting inclusive practices. With a robust academic background and a commitment to progressive archival methodologies, Floresca brings expertise and enthusiasm to the role.
“At Newcomb Archives and Nadine Robbert Vorhoff Collection, we safeguard the rich legacy of Newcomb College and women’s history in the Gulf South through 300 unique collections. In these collections, we celebrate women’s education, culinary history, and third-wave feminism,” explained Newcomb Institute Executive Director Anita Raj. “With Bernadette’s dedicated stewardship, we ensure these treasures continue to inspire and empower future generations.”
Floresca has reached their current position through a commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and a passion for social justice. They started as a library technician for digital initiatives and publishing at Tulane Libraries in 2015 and later moved to Newcomb Institute in 2018 to work as an archivist for collection management and digital preservation.
Floresca holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a specialization in sculpture and a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a certified archivist recognized by the Academy of Certified Archivists. They obtained a graduate certificate in archives and special collections, which provided them with a strong foundation in archival theory and practice. Dedicated to exploring intersectional themes within archival contexts, Floresca also has a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement, with a focus on gender, sexuality, and art. Their recent accreditation as a National Heritage Responder through the American Institute for Conservation further attests to their dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage in times of crisis.
Floresca’s research interests reflect their progressive ethos, focusing on decolonizing archival practices, enhancing inclusivity in descriptive practices, and leveraging archives as platforms for activism. Their exploration of feminist themes in popular culture underscores their commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and challenging traditional narratives.
In their new role, Floresca assumes multifaceted responsibilities crucial for effectively managing archival collections at Newcomb Institute. They will oversee the storage, description, organization, and digital preservation of archival materials to ensure their accessibility and longevity for future generations. They will streamline access to Newcomb Archives’ rich holdings while supervising a team of archivists, student workers, interns, and volunteers to implement efficient processing workflows.
Beyond their administrative duties, Floresca remains deeply engaged in local programs and Tulane initiatives that align with their scholarly interests and advocacy efforts. Their involvement with the Asian Pacific American Reading Group, the Tulane University Special Collections Inclusive and Reparative Working Group, and the New Orleans Preservation Coalition underscores their commitment to fostering collaborative networks and driving positive change.
