The Bio

Emily Weisner Thompson grew up in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated from the University of Notre  Dame with a double major in Anthropology and American Studies, wrapping up her academic journey with a graduate degree in Public History from American University. Emily spent a number of years with the National Park Service, bringing history alive at sites ranging from Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial in Washington, D.C. to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 

When the family relocated to the small town of Santa Claus, Indiana, Emily transitioned to the non-profit world, accepting a position as the Executive Director of the Santa Claus Museum & Village. In addition to curating collections, doing research, fundraising, and all the business associated with the oversight of a museum operation, Emily wrangled hundreds of Elf volunteers as part of the long-standing “Letters to Santa Claus” program.

Emily currently serves as the Deputy Director for the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, an advocacy group representing current, former, and retired National Park Service employees and volunteers. She currently lives in Ohio.