April Gregory

April in the archives at D.C. Booth National Fish Hatchery
Museum Curator
D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery
National Fish Hatchery System
Fish and Aquatic Conservation
(605) 642-7730
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About April Gregory

April poses with a Bureau of Fisheries badge from the archives
Image Details
April poses with a Bureau of Fisheries badge from the archives.
Meet April Gregory!

April is the Curator of Collections and Exhibitions for the National Fish & Aquatic Conservation Archives at the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.

How would you describe your conservation work to someone you just met? 

I serve as the curator, archivist, researcher, and exhibit specialist for the USFWS’s National Fish & Aquatic Conservation Archives. It is the national collection for all things aquatic for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, from 1871 to current, and has 1.8 million archival records and 14,000 objects. My job is to care for and grow the collection, and make information and artifacts accessible to researchers and the public by working with researchers and creating physical and digital exhibits for the public. 

What is your specialty or expert knowledge in aquatic conservation? 

My specialty is in the history of federal fisheries work in the United States and Fisheries Friends Group operations.

What does conservation mean to you?

For me, conservation means caring for the land and its wildlife so that our grandchildren can enjoy the same incredible landscapes and experiences of those that came before them. 

Do you have a top memorable moment on the job? 

I fondly recall the stunned astonishment of a friend who visited the hatchery. While giving them a tour, they were stunned to learn how old the Fish & Aquatic Conservation program is and that it is our nation’s first federal conservation agency. The fact it was established in 1871 really impressed them - the foresight of it - and made them curious to learn more. I enjoy the educational portion of my job as much as I do the cultural resources aspect. Instilling an appreciation of the USFWS’s fisheries work and inspiring visitors to learn more about fish, the history, or partake in outdoor activities, such as fishing, inspire me in the work I do. 

Favorite aquatic species? 

Brook trout. 

What led to your career choice? 

A combined love of history, the arts and the outdoors led me to this career. In my job, I get to learn about the history of conservation work every day. Through design work for exhibits and publications, I share that history with the public and fellow Service employees. 

To find available museum curator jobs, go to USAJobs.gov. Search “1015.” Filter by “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service” or “Department of the Interior.” Curatorial jobs require a degree or comparable work experience. Details about education and experience requirements. Specific requirements can vary and are detailed in individual job listings.