Distinguished Museum Education Leader and Youth Programs Innovator
Dr. Orlando Serrano serves as Manager of Youth and Teacher Programs at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, where he leads innovative educational initiatives and professional development programs. His extensive academic background includes a Ph.D. in American Studies and Ethnicity from the University of Southern California, with research focusing on race, space, power, and the built environment in the Americas, supported by prestigious Ford Foundation and National Science Foundation grants. In his role at NMAH, he develops comprehensive educational programming, including informal learning experiences for students, professional development workshops for educators, and curriculum content that aligns with national standards. His expertise spans teacher professional development, assessment, instruction, and educational technologies, which he applies to create engaging museum-based learning experiences. As co-chair of the Decolonization Working Group at the Center for Restorative History, he contributes to transformative initiatives in museum education while supporting Development, Programming, and Research & Action teams