Help Bridge the Gap for Nikki's New Beginning

Hi everyone,

After over a decade in Montana completing my master’s and Ph.D. in anthropology and historic preservation, I made the decision to return home to Massachusetts to be closer to family and the place that’s always felt like home. It was a leap of faith, and I took it with a plan—some contract work lined up and enough savings to get me through the transition while I found more permanent work and housing.

Unfortunately, due to recent political and economic challenges, several of those contracts were unexpectedly lost before they got started, and the job market in my field has taken a major hit. Many places are experiencing a hiring freeze or moving forward cautiously, making this transition more difficult than I ever anticipated.

I’ve used everything I had set aside for securing an apartment, and despite having some promising job prospects now, I’ve run out of time and resources to bridge the gap. I’m asking for help—not because I want to, but because I need to. I’m so close to hitting the ground running, and even a little support could make all the difference in helping me get settled and start this next chapter.

For years, my work has focused on honoring history, advocating for heritage, and helping communities reclaim their stories—from archaeology and architectural research to public education and preservation. It has been work rooted in resilience, justice, and connection. I’ve always believed in the power of people coming together to care for the past and build a better future. I still do.

If you’re able to contribute, I am grateful. If you can’t, sharing this with others would mean the world. Thank you for reading, for your kindness, and for being part of my community, near or far.

With gratitude,

Nikki