After graduation, I attended Ball State University and studied Anthropology. I focused my studies in archaeology and also minored in history, ancient studies, and classical culture. I graduated a year early in May 2020 and went on to further my studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. There I received my masters degree in history focusing on public history. I also received a graduate certificate in museum studies.

I lived in Milwaukee for a couple years after graduating from UWM in May 2022. I worked part time at the National Bobblehead Museum and at Old World Wisconsin, a living history museum. In April 2024, I moved back home to South Bend where I worked part time at The History Museum in visitor services and part time at the Walkerton Historical Society as a museum specialist. In August, the exhibits coordinator position opened up at The History Museum. I interviewed for and was offered the position. I started in this position in September.

I am working hard to update museum galleries and create new temporary galleries to keep the community engaged in our local history.

In high school, I was on the girl's soccer team all four years and also participated in band and orchestra.

I played violin in orchestra, alto saxophone in concert, marching, and pep band, and the electric bass in jazz band. I also participated in the musicals by playing instruments in the pit. Largely the electric bass, but I did play the violin for one show and even played the ukulele for one song in the Adams Family.

I am still very close friends with several people that also graduated my year and even a couple years before me.

Swanson

Hayley Demler - Class of 2020
Abigail Demler - Class of 2024