M.A. Student; Preservation Studies, American & New England Studies and Museum Practice Concentration
William Dreyer has spent the last six years in Salt Lake City, Utah, having graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Game Design from the University of Utah. Through his work at local independent bookstores and libraries, studies abroad and domestic, along with experience in the increasing prevalence of technology in the field of preservation, he looks forward to merging his undergraduate experience with that of the Preservation Studies program.
Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, William has devoted much of his time since graduation conducting independent and professional research largely on 19th century authors and their works. He takes pride in having been taught in the Rare Book trade by Ken Sanders and will surely make a habit of attending the Boston ABAA Book Fair each November.
New to the Boston area this fall, William looks forward to exploring the city, spending time in Massachusetts’ nature, and finding the best restaurants. He also looks forward to seeing his brother play at Fenway when the Dodgers visit. In his free time, William enjoys reading and collecting books (ask about his favorite authors), going on walks, singing in local choirs, and creating art.
William’s research focuses largely on the written history of North America, with the belief that the preservation of past accounts and experience can do nothing but better our current condition. He is motivated by the question of how we can use past works to interpret our present society and world, and is therefore incredibly interested in the preservation and presentation of such works through the use of museums, libraries, and historical archives.
With Boston being the city of our country’s founding and considering his interest in 19th century history, William sees it as being the perfect location for such research and work, and is so incredibly excited to become part of the community. By combining his undergraduate experience with the Preservation Studies program, William hopes to learn the skills necessary to not only preserve past voices, but to also share them in more accessible, technological and tangible ways with those in our society who would benefit from hearing them.