PHS Staff Profile: Sonia Prescott

What is your role at PHS? What do you do from day-to-day?

I am one of two Reference & Outreach Archivists on staff here at PHS. I spend most of my days responding to reference questions over the phone, through email, or in person. On other days I meet with students and professors from Community College of Philadelphia to help facilitate class visits. I also give tours to visitors and sometimes participate in conferences, workshops, and seminars to share information about the Presbyterian Historical Society with Presbyterians and non-Presbyterians alike. 

How does your work support the mission of PHS?

The mission of the Presbyterian Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and share the story of the American Presbyterian experience. My work falls almost exclusively in the "share" category. My outreach work is all about sharing Presbyterian history.  

Why do you love working at PHS?

I am not Presbyterian, but I love the opportunity to work for an institution where my values and the values of the institution so closely align. Working here also gives me the opportunity to talk about, write about, and read about history all day, which is great for the historian in me.  

What do you find most inspiring about PHS?

The most inspiring thing about PHS is reading the everyday stories of people standing up for what they believe in. I really enjoy learning about the ways that Presbyterians have tried to help others even at great personal risk to themselves. 

Please share an interesting/fun fact about yourself.

I am a lifelong vegetarian/vegan. I have a cat named Shuri.