Sam Opsahl

PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
317.616.6341
sopsahl@indianahumanities.org

Born and raised in the Circle City, Sam is a lifelong Hoosier. He received his bachelor’s degree from his beloved Purdue University in history before coming home to get his master’s degree in public history from IUPUI. During his master’s studies, Sam worked with the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology and the National Council on Public History. Working in these positions helped him hone his passion for the humanities beyond the classroom as he developed a love for creating enriching and entertaining programming.

After finishing his schoolwork at IUPUI, Sam stuck close to downtown, taking on positions with the Indiana State Museum (working with guests in the galleries) and the Indianapolis Public Library (performing research and edits for the Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis). His work with these institutions fostered his belief in providing equitable opportunities for Hoosiers and the importance of telling diverse, inclusive and untold stories in his home city and state. Sam has also served as a Site Director on the city’s west side with the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, and he currently teaches World History for the University of Indianapolis.

Sam lives with his wife, Alicia, up in Carmel. Together, they like to spend their time traveling to see friends and family, hunting for a good story on TV, searching for the latest and greatest local spots to eat and playing with their Corgi-terrier puppy, Harley.