Circe Olson Woessner

Founder and Director of the Museum of the American Military Family and Learning Center

Service Member's Branch - Army

Service Member's Status - Veteran - 20 years

What has been your military spouse career/entrepreneur journey so far?

The museum was conceived of in 2010, and incorporated in 2011. Since then, it has gone from concept, to website, to physical space, and onto various social media platforms. It has received several national awards, has published 16 anthologies, created a play script and curriculum guide, and collaborates on projects nationally and internationally. Right now it is working on several large projects in Germany as well as several in its home state of New Mexico. The museum is currently in transition looking for a new location after having to move from its rental space after the death of the landlord.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Circe, and I founded the Museum of the American Military Family and Learning Center. We honor the men, women, and children who serve alongside America's service members. The museum came about in 2011 because I was wondering who was recording the stories of the parents, spouses, partners, siblings, children, and extended friends and family who love someone in the military...when I couldn't find a museum that did exactly that, I started one.

Tell us about a "typical" day in your professional life.

I spend much of my day writing grants, conducting interviews and meetings via Zoom across time zones, podcasting, planning programs and managing all aspects of running a business long distance.

If you've been stationed overseas, how did this affect your career and or business?

As an active duty and veteran spouse, I have had to change my job often. As a veteran spouse with twenty years of federal service, I couldn't find a job when I accompanied my husband on his last two (overseas) assignments because I didn't fit into many of the federal hiring criteria categories. As the director of the museum, I have always worked and collaborated with board members, artists and writers outside of our physical location, and during COVID, even more so, so that hasn't been as much of an issue.

What has been your biggest military spouse career struggle and how did you overcome it?

Always starting as a "new" employee and building/rebuilding networks. The first, I just dealt with, and the second, I have always volunteered wherever I am, joined organizations, and put myself out into the community. The more people I got to know, the more connections I made. I like meeting new people and introducing people to each other. I work with lots of writers, artists, educators, etc., and I like to help others build their networks and build collaboration opportunities.

What role did mentors and sponsors play in your journey?

Starting a museum from scratch required that I (and the other founders) learn everything about starting and building a museum. Without mentors in the Albuquerque museum community, we would not have been able to succeed. They were willing to share their knowledge and we do the same for others wherever we can.

How does your career path differ from what you imagined for yourself?

I never thought I would start a museum.

How did military life (PCSing, deployments, trainings, etc) factor into your career decisions?

I decided to go into teaching, because that was something I could do anywhere. It did pay off, as I worked in public, parochial, and DoDEA schools. I have taught adult learners and staff development. Almost every aspect of the museum is educational, so my background has proven invaluable.

Have you ever had to geo-bach due to your career/entrepreneurship?

Yes. You have to be very sure that you and your spouse or significant other understands how hard and lonely it can be, and is willing and prepared to do it. It's important to weigh the benefits vs the negatives of the decision.