A love for history: Michelle Haye becomes Ellis County Museum’s new director

Michelle Haye’s deep love and passion for history is what led her to her new position as the executive director for the Ellis County Museum.

Haye started with the museum the last week of October and said “the smell of history” greets her every day. Being a part of the museum and working in a building from 1889 has brought her joy and left her in awe.

“That feeling is indescribable to me,” Haye said. “Standing in a building that is hundreds of years old and knowing that you are just a tiny speck in its story is the most humbling and awe-inspiring feeling at the same time. It’s almost like being in front of a mountain for me. You just feel your smallness and your responsibility for history, and there’s joy that you get to be a part of the story.” Haye has always lived in historic homes and grew up in Asheboro, North Carolina, before her family moved to Texas. She said she has a deep love and appreciation for all “old things, architecture, history and preservation.”

Haye’s love for history seemed to always be there, she said. It started with the books she read as a child, being able to touch, see and feel the stories of the past.

“I don’t think I ever like cognitively knew I loved history,” Haye said. “I just gravitated toward it. When I’d go to the library, I wanted the biggest, oldest book.”

Growing up in one of the first 13 colonies also played a part in developing her passion for history, she said.

“History is a part of everything there,” Haye said. “It was a part of my life and my blood growing up.” Her passion and appreciation for historic architecture grew in her early 20s.

About five years ago, Haye and her husband moved to Waxahachie, and she said she “jumped in with both feet” to the history of Waxahachie and Ellis County. She is restoring her own historic home in Waxahachie and serves on the city’s Heritage Preservation Commission. She serves as the vice president on the board of trustees for Historic Waxahachie Inc. and as the Christmas Tour of Homes chair.

Haye said she is a storyteller at heart and is honored to serve the Ellis County community and to be a steward of the county’s history.

After hearing about the position opening, the idea of applying kept circling around in her head. It was her love of history and Ellis County that eventually pushed her to apply, she said.

“It’s been thrilling, and I’m really excited to be here,” Haye said. “I come home every day with something new that I’ve learned, and as a lover of history, that always surprises you that you can keep learning. It really is a labor of love and wanting to be a part, even deeper, of the area we live in.”

Haye’s background includes nonprofit development, marketing and communications.

For more information on the museum, visit https://elliscountymuseum.org or visit the museum located at 201 S. College St. Originally published November 16, 2022 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/arts_and_entertainment/a-love-for-history-michelle-haye-becomes-ellis-county-museum-s-new-director/article_3392d8dc-65ee-11ed-acbb-6b36f67f8174.html