Today we’d like to introduce you to Holley Snaith.
Hi Holley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by history. I have been called an old soul many times, and I see that as a badge of honor. As a child, I would watch “I Love Lucy” and Turner Classic Movies every day after school, while most seven-year-olds were watching cartoons or Disney Channel. And when it came to music, I gravitated toward classic country artists such as Charley Pride and Tammy Wynette, and then in middle school, I discovered the wonderful classics from the Great American Songbook.
I would say I first began to seriously consider a career in history while in high school after reading Eleanor Roosevelt’s autobiography and interning at Franklin Roosevelt’s Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia. I was deeply inspired by Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt because they endured tremendous personal trials, yet persevered and dedicated their lives to meaningful work that helped shape the twentieth century. Their example also made me think seriously about how we use the opportunities and blessings we are given and what kind of impact we hope to leave behind.
It became my goal to move to Hyde Park, New York, and work with the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library. I was fortunate enough to do exactly that, spending two years working first with the FDR Library, then with the National Park Service on a project at Eleanor Roosevelt’s home, Val-Kill, and also with the nonprofit Eleanor Roosevelt Center. Later, I worked with the Richard Nixon Foundation, giving me the privilege of working at two presidential sites, one on the East Coast and the other on the West Coast.
When I decided to broaden my career and become an independent contractor, it gave me the freedom to live wherever I wanted to while working with clients across a variety of industries. I chose to move to Nashville, where I immersed myself in the history and culture of country music. I began researching and writing about artists such as Loretta Lynn, Deford Bailey, Patsy Cline, and many others, and that passion has led me on some of the most rewarding journeys of my career. Living in Nashville made country music history feel tangible. The Grand Ole Opry, Music Row, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the stories I had studied for years were no longer just places and subjects I read about; they became places where I could conduct research, meet the people preserving those stories, and experience that history firsthand.
As the host of the podcast “Say It With History,” I try to approach every episode with intention. I want to tell meaningful stories about the people and moments that shaped history, especially those that have been overlooked or forgotten. If listeners finish an episode having learned something new or discovered a book they want to read, then I feel I have done my job.
Currently, I am working on a book centered around an aspect of country music history, with Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry playing central roles in the story. It has become one of the most meaningful and ambitious undertakings of my career. The stories I am telling are about real people, the lives they lived, and the music they created. I always want to tell those stories in a compelling way while honoring them with the respect they deserve. It has been a rewarding experience, and I am really enjoying every part of the research and writing process.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, the journey has been absolutely seamless! No, in truth, life would be very dull if that were the case. The challenges are what help us grow, both personally and professionally.
One of the first obstacles I had to overcome was rejection. As I mentioned, I had been fascinated by Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt since high school. I even completed my senior project on Franklin Roosevelt and the creation of the March of Dimes. More than anything, I wanted to move to the Hudson Valley and work with the FDR Library, and I wanted to be surrounded by that history. I applied for an internship at the library, and not once but twice I was turned down. At the time, it was both disappointing and confusing because I was so passionate about preserving their legacy.
Right after that second rejection, while I was in college, an opportunity came to travel from Florida to Warm Springs, Georgia, for the annual ceremony commemorating the anniversary of President Roosevelt’s passing. One of the Roosevelt grandchildren was attending, along with board members from the FDR Library, and my friend who managed the Little White House planned to introduce me to several of those guests.
Then, just two days before I was planning to leave, I came down with a terrible case of food poisoning. I barely had enough energy to make it through the day, let alone drive several hours. I seriously considered just staying home. But I also knew this was an opportunity that may not come again, so I did everything I could to recover and make that journey.
And I am so glad I went. I met wonderful people who became longtime friends, and through those connections, I earned an internship at the FDR Library soon after. I soon learned that my earlier applications had not been rejected because of my qualifications. For the past few years, the library had accepted only local students due to a lack of housing for interns, and I had simply been applying from out of state. I achieved my goal of moving to the Hudson Valley and spent two years working there.
That experience taught me an important lesson. Sometimes “no” simply means “not yet.” Try not to be discouraged by rejection because you often do not know the reasons behind it. Keep trying, keep showing up, and never be afraid to ask for help. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my life have come because someone was willing to open a door after I had the courage to knock.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a historian, writer, editor, podcast host, and now a book author in progress. My work has largely centered on twentieth-century American history, whether that is political history, Hollywood, country music, or broader cultural history. At first glance, those topics might seem unrelated, but they do have this in common: they explore the people, events, and ideas that shaped the world we inhabit today. I have always believed that history is ultimately about people. Whether someone was a president, a movie star, or a country music singer, I am interested in understanding the human stories behind the headlines and why they still matter today.
Early in my career, I was probably best known as a young professional who had the opportunity to work at two presidential sites in a relatively short period of time. Since then, I have intentionally broadened my horizons. I never wanted to be pigeonholed, either as a historian or as a professional. Becoming an independent contractor allowed me to build a career that reflects many of my interests rather than just one. I enjoy being able to move between history, writing, editing, strategic consulting, podcasting, and now book publishing.
I have also been honored to author articles for the PBS “American Masters” website. It was incredibly exciting to be asked to contribute to a series that has done so much to celebrate influential figures in American culture. I think that willingness to embrace different opportunities, while always remaining grounded in historical storytelling, is what sets me apart.
If you had asked me a year ago what I was most proud of, I would have said launching “Say It With History.” Today, I would say it is pursuing my book. The idea first came to me nearly six years ago, and over time it continued to evolve. For a while, I kept telling myself, “Maybe someday I will write it.” Eventually I realized there was no reason to keep waiting for someday. If I wanted to write the book, I needed to start now.
I think, like many people, I was a little intimidated by taking on such a significant project. Writing a book is a tremendous responsibility, especially when you are telling the stories of real people whose work has had a lasting impact. But I found the right publisher, the right topic, and the right time. Seeing this project become a reality has been very rewarding because it has been one of my biggest professional goals for many years.
Of course, once this book is finished, I will simply move on to the next goal. There is always another story waiting to be told. And you will have to invite me back after the book is released because I promise I will have plenty more to say about it.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best place to connect with me is through my website or LinkedIn. I am always happy to hear from fellow historians, authors, researchers, and anyone who simply enjoys learning about history.
If someone is interested in collaborating, I am always open to conversations about writing, podcast interviews, or history-related projects that align with my interests. You can also support my work by listening to Say It With History, sharing episodes that may resonate with you, subscribing to my newsletter, and following along as I continue researching and writing my upcoming book.
History is ultimately about connecting people through stories, and I always enjoy meeting others who share that passion. Every generation risks losing stories that once seemed unforgettable. I hope my work helps preserve those stories so that they continue to inform and inspire future generations.
I greatly appreciate you taking the time to speak with me today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.holleysnaith.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holleysnaith
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holleysnaith/
- Other: https://www.holleysnaith.com/sayitwithhistorypodcast
