Margaret Santiago
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(aged 86–87)Margaret Santiago | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1931 |
| Died | 17 March 2018 (aged 86–87) |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Singer, museum professional, registrar |
| Employer | |
| Position held | registrar (1977–1991), supervisor (1970–1977) |
Margaret Santiago (October 22, 1931 – March 17, 2018) was an American museum registrar. Santiago, who worked at the National Museum of Natural History, was the first African-American to work as a registrar for a major scientific museum, and a co-founder of the African American Museums Association (later the Association of African American Museums).[1]
Santiago began working at the Smithsonian in 1960 as a clerk typist.[2] She was promoted to assistant supervisor in accessions and specimen control at the National Museum of Natural History in 1963.[2] By 1970, she was the supervisor of that unit.[2] In 1977, Santiago became the first African-American to work as a registrar for any major scientific museum, a position she held until her retirement.[3][4]
Santiago was a co-founder of the African American Museums Association (later the Association of African American Museums).[1] Santiago retired from the Smithsonian in 1991, after a thirty year career.[5][6]