Fort Concho Employee Promoted to History Curator

Bronte native Cory Robinson, who has served Fort Concho for 13 years, has new responsibilities after receiving a promotion to curator of history. He will now oversee the site’s many artifacts along with their care and use in programs and exhibits.

Prior to his promotion, Robinson served as a guide and as the visitor and volunteer services coordinator. The role he is assuming has been open since 2008 when Kathy, longtime Curator of Collections, retired.

“I have always had a passion for history, especially with material culture, and I look forward to working with the Fort’s rich collections to make them more visible to our community and our many guests,” Robinson said.

Originally, Robinson graduated from Angelo State University with a bachelor and master’s degree in history. He wrote his thesis on a Fort Concho post surgeon, Dr. S.L.S. Smith. In addition to his duties at Fort Concho, Robinson teaches history at ASU as an adjunct professor.

Bob Bluthardt, Fort Concho manager, said Robinson’s many accomplishments in displays, research and the creation of dozens of high-quality replica clothing and equipment items.

“Many of his creations reflect hours of research and handiwork, looking identical to the original piece,” Bluthardt said.

Bluthhardt also said the previous curator left the collections in good shape, but the Fort needed to move ahead with “new acquisitions and programs.”

“We’ve broadened the duties and look forward to Cory’s enthusiasm and ideas,” he said.

Robinson explained that he’ll have the best of both areas in collections and interpretation/education.

“I enjoy working with history, our guests and our volunteers,” he said. “This new position will let me combine them all.”