Grace Trumbo
Spring 2021 John Jay Fellow
Hometown: Kennewick, WA
College: Whitworth University; University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
Degree: B.A. Art History; M.A. Art History and Curating
Grace Trumbo earned a Master of Arts with distinction at the University of Birmingham in 2020. While in England, she co-curated Sights of Wonder: Photographs from the 1862 Royal Tour, the Barber Institute of Fine Art’s first online exhibit in partnership with the Queen’s Royal Collection Trust. Grace also worked as Postgraduate Ambassador for her university and Curatorial Intern at the Wolverhampton Art Gallery.
Grace graduated Summa Cum Laude from Whitworth University with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History in 2019. She interned with Dr. David K. Allison at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, DC in her senior year. Grace compiled original research into the museum’s history and range of major exhibitions in contribution to a forthcoming book. In addition to completing coursework on ethics and public policy, Grace was a Research Assistant for Senior Smithsonian Fellow Dr. Will Kynes, whose study explores the biblical tradition of wrestling with God through archival records of enslaved African Americans.
Throughout her undergraduate career, Grace was an active member of Phi Theta Kappa and George Whitworth Honors Society. She achieved numerous academic, piano and art scholarships. Grace is a certificated caregiver supporting a severely disabled sister and senior citizens in her community. Prior to college she maintained a busy homeschool lifestyle with many extracurriculars, including 4-H, rock club and active youth programs at church.
Grace is excited to learn more about faith-based leadership at the John Jay Institute. Following her fellowship, she intends to pursue work in federal government, museums or nonprofit organizations.