George W. McDaniel is the author of "Drayton Hall Stories: A Place and Its People". The first book of its kind in the nation, it is the result of his long career in education and history museums that began with the Smithsonian Institution, and his experiences in Europe, Africa, and Vietnam, where he saw peace and war and learned first-hand about cultural differences and commonalities.
For over 25 years, he served as the Executive Director of Drayton Hall, a historic site in Charleston, SC, of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, earning awards at local, state, and national levels. He made it his mission to record oral interviews with descendants (both White and Black), board members, donors, staff, and professionals in history, tourism, museums, architecture, and historic preservation. The resulting book, “Drayton Hall Stories: A Place and Its People” presents a fascinating mosaic of stories and insights that uses history to bring diverse people together, preserving their words for future generations and offering a place-based strategy that is applicable nationwide.
A native of Atlanta, he earned a BA from Sewanee, a MAT (history) from Brown University, and PhD (history) from Duke.
Today, he is the president of McDaniel Consulting, LLC, a strategy firm that helps organizations use history to build bridges to broader constituents. An engaging speaker, he combines his professional perspectives with the needs and opportunities of his audience and clients.
Reach him at gmcdaniel4444@gmail.com and visit his website at http://www.mcdanielconsulting.net/drayton-hall-book/
George McDaniel is also a popular Essayist who has contributed to many publications, including:
STEWARDS OF MEMORY: The Past, Present, and Future of Historic Preservation at George Washington's Mount Vernon
EYRE HALL: Four Centuries of Chesapeake History
CONTROVERSIAL MONUMENTS & MEMORIALS: A Guide for Community Leaders
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LOCAL HISTORY Third Edition
INTERPRETING AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE of Museums and Historic Sites
