About

Hello! Nice to see you.

I’m Reba Banks, a historian, writer, and urban enthusiast. I’m passionate about connecting the past to current issues through dynamic narratives. I’ve returned to my Detroit roots after living in D.C. and Chicago, where I earned my M.A. in Public History from Loyola University. My primary research focus was urban history including race and and ethnicity in American cities.

In addition to my research work, I have written curriculum for an online textbook company, a news and media museum, and a non-profit organization. I have also been a project manager for an events company, which allowed me to sharpen my administrative and client relations skills.

When I’m not connecting the dots of past and current events, you can find me chasing after two small boys alongside my husband, gardening, and dreaming of our next travel adventure.

Projects of note include:

• Erie Neighborhood House Website and program narrative commemorating organization’s 135th anniversary
• National Register Nomination, Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church
• Master’s Capstone Essay, “Beyond Coughlin: An Architectural History of Shrine of the Little Flower”
• Newseum Digital Classroom modules
• Online textbook curriculum: African American History, U.S. History, World History for Educational Options (now Edmentum)
• Audio tour and day camp modules, Swedish American Museum
• Finding Aid, Widening Horizons collection, Historical Society of Washington, DC
• Historical Buildings, Modern Building walking tours for Chicago Architecture Foundation

Professional
Memberships

• American Historical Association
• National Council on Public History
• Oral History Association
• Michigan Historic Preservation Network