Benjamin Wright

Interests

U.S. History and Memory, Confederate Statues and Symbols, U.S. involvement in World War I, Defeat in American Culture

Biography

I'm a curator, and writer based in Austin, Texas. My professional work has involved the relocation of Confederate statues from public spaces to museum settings. In that capacity I have been interviewed by USA Today, PRI and the Irish Times. As a curator, I've talked about my work with 15 Minute History, the Alcalde, KUT's Texas Standard and the BBC. 

Previously I worked as a journalist and a press secretary at the Texas state capitol. (I alternate between infatuation and disgust when it comes to Texas politics!) Originally from England, I have been in Texas since 2003. My personal writing focuses on travel, music, sport and faith. Long term projects include a novel about Vincent van Gogh, and a Hemingway-inspired short story collection about refugees. Those are on hold while I fumble and tumble toward obtaining a PhD in American History. 

When not writing I enjoy traveling, playing guitar, arguing about things, being jumped on by my children, and getting injured playing soccer.