Meet Holley Snaith | Historian, Writer, & Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Holley Snaith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holley, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
A quote that has provided me with inspiration and motivation for many years is a renowned one from Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” I was in high school when I first came across these encouraging words, and I valued it so much that I included it in my high school yearbook, had it printed on college graduation invitations, and it is currently prominently featured on my website.

As a history major at the University of Florida, it was my goal to move to the Hudson Valley and work at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library. After two unsuccessful attempts at landing an internship, discouragement began to set in, but being constantly reminded of these wise words from Eleanor Roosevelt helped me to gather the determination that I needed to make that dream come true. Finally, with persistence and an ample amount of faith, it happened.

I realize, as time passes, it is easy to let dreams slip away or simply push them aside. There are times I find myself feeling bogged down by day-to-day living and responsibilities, and whatever dream I may possess at the time will begin to dissipate. When this happens, I remind myself how this quote has served as a major source of motivation in the past, and I try to recapture that feeling and adrenaline. These words from Eleanor Roosevelt serve as a much-needed reminder that we are never too young nor too old to form a new dream, believe in it, and proudly watch it come to fruition.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One thing that sets me apart from others is also something that I am incredibly proud of, and that is my versatility as a professional. I started as a historian in the realm of public history, first interning at the FDR Library and then working with the National Park Service on a restoration project at Eleanor Roosevelt’s home, Val-Kill. Next, I moved to California and continued to do a bit of exhibit curation at the Richard Nixon Foundation, but that was also when I began to spend more time conducting research and writing.

Over the past several years, including while living in Nashville, I have strictly been a freelance historian, writer, and editor. I no longer work solely in the world of history, but I also have clients in the real estate, nonprofit, and financial technology space. I am fortunate to be in a place where I can pursue my passion, which is history, while also adopting new skills and learning about different industries. As a professional, I am always looking for ways to grow.

In no way was it easy to establish myself as a freelancer. There were a few things that I tried that simply did not work out the way I desired, but I am glad that I put forth the effort and maintained an open mind. In my profession, I find it wise to remain adaptable and expect the best while preparing for the unexpected. There is so much truth in these words from George Bernard Shaw, “The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Nashville, Broadway is the obvious go-to place, but I also relish exploring the outskirts and venturing out to the country. To give a friend an understanding of the history and culture of Nashville, I would take them to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium. The “Mother Church,” as the Ryman is called, has a sacred feel that should be experienced in person.

As far as cuisine goes, I enjoy the new Sinatra Bar and Lounge because it has such a classy vibe to it, and the Italian food is delicious. In the Music Valley area, I would take a friend to the Opry. Even though the new Opry House is not as historic as the Ryman, so many wonderful performers have graced that stage, and the Opry is the longest-running radio program in history.

Finally, when I was researching Loretta Lynn and writing an article about her career, I spent a great amount of time at her ranch in Hurricane Mills, and I am happy to introduce that majestic place to friends and family. There is a quaint winery in that area called Grinder’s Switch that I highly recommend. The Middle Tennessee region encompasses so much more than Nashville, and there is something for everyone.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who have helped me get to where I am in my career. Naturally, the endless support and love from my parents is what first comes to mind. I would also like to mention that I had superb co-workers in Warm Springs, Georgia, Hyde Park, New York, and Yorba Linda, California who encouraged me to pursue my dreams and goals. Then, through my research on classic Hollywood and country music, I have made invaluable friends. There are a few mentors who have journeyed with me through the highs and lows, and I am confident they know who they are and how appreciative I am of them.

Website: https://www.holleysnaith.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holleysnaith/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holleysnaith/

Other: Medium: https://holleysnaith.medium.com/

Image Credits
Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites Holley Snaith