About me
Focused on the cultural history of the United States during the Cold War era, Buddy assesses how artifacts of popular and material culture reflect and respond to events of major historical significance. A public historian, curator, and educator who has worked in local history museums throughout the Chicagoland area, Dr. Avila holds a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University, an MA in History from Northern Illinois University, and Graduate Certificates in Women’s Studies, Museum Studies, and Ethnic Studies. A former fellow of the Smithsonian Latino Center, Dr. Avila has worked on numerous museum exhibitions in addition to teaching university courses on the subjects of American history, Ethnic Studies, and Classical Mythology. He currently serves as the Historic Site Caretaker of the Ellwood House Museum in DeKalb, IL.
