Anna Karvellas
Diary Project Managing Editor and Exhibition Curator
(August 2007–April 2011)

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As Managing Editor, Anna Karvellas conceptualized the William Steinway Diary Web site and oversaw its continued online publication until funding ran out at the end of April 2011. She also curated the related exhibition, "A Gateway to the 19th Century: The William Steinway Diary, 1861–1896," in the National Museum of American History's Albert H. Small Documents Gallery (December 17, 2010–April 8, 2011).

Karvellas came to the Diary Project and National Museum of American History with a background researching and writing about New York City history, particularly the development of Astoria and Long Island City. She recounts this experience in the related essay, "The Wonderful World of William Steinway." Her work on William Steinway, Steinway & Sons, and western Queens began in 1997 as part of a larger exploration of the history of immigration in New York City. An ardent advocate of the Diary and Diary Project, Karvellas frequently lectures on the subject. Recent events have included a sold-out Smithsonian Associates tour of "William Steinway's Company Town," including the Steinway Mansion and Steinway & Sons piano factory; a lecture on "William Steinway's Astoria" at the Greater Astoria Historical Society; and a special Steinway series lecture at the Henderson Cultural Center at Hunt Hill Farm in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program.

Karvellas has been an editor and writer of print and online media for the Smithsonian Institution, W. W. Norton & Company, Time Inc., The New York Times Magazine Group, Sotheby's and other organizations. She has a proven track record coordinating large-scale, complex projects with multiple contributors. Throughout her career, an interest in American history and American identity as reflected in its culture and art has been a recurring theme. Related areas of interest also include American roots music, particularly early country music, and American decorative arts.

Born in Indiana and raised in Virginia, Karvellas graduated from the University of Michigan with Highest Honors, earning a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing. While a student, she received an Avery Hopwood and Jule Hopwood Prize: Special Award in Fiction. After graduation, she spent the next 15 years in New York City. It was there that Karvellas came to know and live in Astoria—the place her heart still considers "home."