Dr. Amanda Goodheart Parks is a historian with over fifteen years of experience bringing the past to life for audiences of all ages. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and she specializes in women’s history, U.S. history, maritime history, aerospace history, and cultural history.

She recently appeared in the History Channel miniseries, “The Titans That Built America,” and her work in museum education was awarded by the American Alliance of Museums in 2021. She serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Salve Regina University History Department.

A trained actor with film, TV, and stage experience, Amanda is a dynamic speaker and a gifted storyteller, delighting audiences through engaging explorations of history, culture, and heritage.

www.amandagoodheartparks.com

““I wanted to write to thank you for your lectures on the recent cruise of the Western Caribbean. As someone whose idea of a great vacation is marching through museums from dawn til dusk, it was so wonderful to discover your lectures. I attended all three (and couldn’t help but ask questions after each one). I ended up planning my days around them. I also wanted to thank you for how kind you were to my four-year-old daughter, who attended the latter two talks with me and took her own opportunity to ask questions as well.” – Michael C., Enrichment Lecture Participant, 2024”

“A fabulous storyteller, a passionate historian, and an enthralling speaker!” – Lecture Participant, 2019

“Dr. Parks is an excellent communicator, and her excitement and enthusiasm is contagious!” – Undergraduate Student, 2022

“She has a warm and energetic way of connecting with people.” – Virtual Program Participant, 2021

“Amanda’s professionalism, knowledge, and passion comes through loud and clear.” – Virtual Program Participant, 2020

Caribbean History:

1. Shiver Me Timbers:  The Real Pirates of the Caribbean: Discover the history and enduring legacy of piracy in the Caribbean.

2.  Without a Trace: A History of the Bermuda Triangle: Uncover the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle through explorations of its greatest disappearances.

3. The ABCs of the ABC Islands: Discover the fascinating history of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao through an exploration of their history, culture, and heritage.

European History:

1. Cultural Crossroads: A History of the Dalmatian Coast: Explore the dynamic history and cultural heritage of Croatia from ancient times to the present day. 

2. Firenze: Birthplace of the Renaissance: From Dante and DaVinci to the Medici and Michaelangelo, learn how Florence pulled Europe out of the Dark Ages through an exploration of Renaissance art, literature, and culture. 

3. Mangia! A Culinary History of Italy: From pizza and pasta to cannoli and calamari, discover the history behind Italy’s greatest culinary contributions to the world. 

4. Madonna Mia: Women of the Italian Renaissance: From princesses and poets to painters and patrons, discover the untold stories of famous women from the Italian Renaissance.

5. The Real Game of Thrones: England’s Wars of the Roses: Discover the inspiration for the famous television show through a chronicle of England’s infamous Wars of the Roses.

6. The Grand Tour: Traveling Through Europe: Uncover the origins of European tourism and explore the Grand Tour’s most scenic destinations.

Maritime History:

1. All Aboard: A History of Modern Cruising: Celebrate your favorite way to vacation through an exploration of cruising’s past, present, and future.

2. Sirens and Seafarers: Maritime Myth and Legends: Uncover the origins behind maritime history’s greatest myths and legends.

Women’s History:

1. She-Farers: Famous Women in Piracy: From Anne Bonny to Grace O’Malley, explore the history of women in piracy throughout the world.

2. Beyond the Bicep: The Real Story of Rosie the Riveter: From wartime poster to feminist icon, uncover the history of Rosie and the real life women who inspired her creation.

Aerospace History:

1. Century of Innovation: One Hundred Years of Aerospace History: From biplanes to supersonic jets to space craft, chronicle aviation’s most exciting century of innovation.

To Infinity and Beyond: A History of the NASA Space Program: Uncover the origins of NASA and explore the past, present, and future of U.S. spaceflight.

New England History:

1. Thar She Blows: A History of Whaling in New England: Explore the history of whaling in America and explore its legacy in New England’s maritime communities.

2. Newport in the Gilded Age: From seaside mansions to grand society balls, explore the history of Newport, Rhode Island during the height of the Gilded Age.