Brenda Colladay Joins Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum

Brenda Colladay has been hired as vice president, museum services at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In her position Colladay will assume the role of administering the museum’s collection of more than 2.5 million artifacts along with overseeing planning, design and installation of exhibits in the museum’s gallery space, Historic RCA Studio BTM and the Taylor Swift Education Center.

“After working with Brenda in many capacities over the years, we’re delighted to welcome her officially to the museum team,” said CEO Kyle Young. “Brenda brings a unique blend of relevant knowledge that will be invaluable to us as we continue to fulfill our mission of preserving and interpreting the history of country music.”

Colladay holds a master’s degree in public history from Middle Tennessee State University. Her expertise includes 18 years with Gaylord Entertainment/Ryman Hospitality Partners as museum and photograph curator. In 1997, Colladay became the first curator for the historical collections of WSM radio, the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. Most recently, she served in a consulting role for several projects including project manager for the research and documentation of the history of RCA Studio A, and historical advisor to the forthcoming documentary series Country Music by Ken Burns. Colladay also has done extensive work with the collection of Marty Stuart. She has curated multiple new exhibits for the Grand Ole Opry Museum, managed and completed an upgrade of the Ryman Auditorium museum experience, and co-wrote the book Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. As a student, Colladay interned at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

“I’ve watched in awe as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has grown into one of the world’s premier museums and art institutions, and I have nothing but respect for the incredible work that they do,” said Colladay. “I am a longtime fan of the museum and its mission. The opportunity to lead and shape the future is a dream come true. I look forward to working with friends and colleagues at the museum as we continue to explore, expand and elevate the ways in which we preserve and share fascinating country music stories and collections.”