(Ph.D., Brown 1996; Associate Professor) American Women, Early American History, American Architecture, American Material Culture.

McCleary’s research interests focus on American social and cultural history, especially material culture, vernacular architecture, women’s history, rural history, American folklife, and oral history. She has written numerous articles on the vernacular architecture and cultural history of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Her current interests are in twentieth-century rural life; she is working on a book examining the impact of the home demonstration movement on rural women and housing in Virginia during the 1920s and 1930s.

Dr. McCleary coordinates the Public History program and the Museum Studies Certificate program. She co-teaches the courses in Museum Studies at the Atlanta History Center, having worked for many years in the museum community in Virginia and as more recently as a museum consultant.

In her role as Director of the Center for Public History, McCleary has overseen a variety of research projects focusing on the history and culture of the Georgia Piedmont. She directs an on-going oral history program of this region and is currently directing grants documenting both music and baking traditions.

Phone: 678-839-6041
E-mail: amcclear@westga.edu