17 Feb 2025 Youth of the Month: Madeleine Tanguay

By KD Reep

At just 21 years old, she has cultivated a journey that spans continents, cultures and career aspirations. From Conway to the bustling streets of Washington, D.C., and the magic of Walt Disney World, Madeleine’s path is as dynamic as it is inspiring. An enthusiastic history and art history student at American University, she embodies a commitment to public history, bringing the past to life for the benefit of future generations.

After graduating from Conway Christian School in May 2022, Madeleine headed to Washington to pursue her academic dreams at American University. Her dual major in history and art history reflects her deep-seated love for museums and storytelling. “I’ve always been fascinated by the impact of art on society and how history shapes our present,” she shared.

This passion stems in part from her family. Her mother and grandmother, Lynn Tanguay and Marilyn Rishkofski, are members of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They inspired Madeleine’s interest in genealogy and American history, as well as her own entrance into the organization. Her grandmother, an artist, also ignited her curiosity about art and its cultural significance. These influences led her to envision a career in public history to work as a curator or researcher in museums like the Smithsonian.

During the fall of 2023, Madeleine applied to take a semester off to join the Disney College Program, a unique internship opportunity at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., where she discovered the art of guest interaction and the power of creating joy.

“My job has been working in Magic Kingdom doing outdoor vending, which is basically working at the popcorn and ice cream carts in that park,” Madeleine said. “It was kind of a last-minute thing last January. I had kind of been thinking about it for years, but a friend of mine thought about doing it, and it put the idea in my head, and I looked into it and thought how this would help me learn to work with the public. I thought it would be a great way to help with a future in public history.”

Disney’s spirit of “creating happiness” resonated deeply with her. “Even though I was selling popcorn, I realized it was about more than the product — it was about the magical experience of buying it in such a special place,” Madeleine said. Her time at Disney taught her resilience, patience and the importance of a cheerful outlook, lessons she plans to carry into her career in public history.

Madeleine’s experiences extend beyond the United States. In spring 2023, she participated in a freshman study-abroad program in England. While living in an abbey once home to a prime minister during the American Revolution, she immersed herself in British history and culture. From studying Shakespeare to exploring London’s museums and participating in ping-pong competitions, she gained a global perspective on history and its interconnectedness with the present.

“My trip to England definitely gave me an open mind and a global perspective,” she said. “So much of our history is global at this point. Even if you focus on American history, you must be aware of all the outside influences on our country and how we are all so connected.”

This global outlook deepened during her family’s trip to Paris for the 2023 Olympic Games. Over two weeks, Madeleine and her family attended events like gymnastics, swimming and women’s rugby, all while exploring Parisian landmarks and museums. The trip reaffirmed her belief in the importance of understanding history through an international lens.

“We got to watch Ilona Maher, who now plays rugby in Bristol, England, and was on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ after playing rugby in the Olympics,” she said. “That was a really cool experience. And then there were so many cool things we got to do outside of the Olympics as well, seeing all the museums and those touristy things.”

Though her aspirations are based in Washington and potentially abroad, Madeleine holds her Arkansas roots close. Her father, Pete, owns The Max event venue in Conway, while her mother, Lynn, remains active in local historical and genealogical circles. Over the summer of 2024, Madeleine interned at the Faulkner County Museum and the Arkansas State Archives, experiences that strengthened her research skills and connection to local history.

Her future is as ambitious as her present. She plans to graduate with combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public history by winter 2027. Long-term, she envisions a career on the East Coast or even in England, where she hopes to make an impact on a global audience through museum curation.

Her advice to others is simple yet profound: “Be open to unique experiences and opportunities. You never know what paths they might lead you down.” From popcorn stands to Parisian galleries, Madeleine Tanguay’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity, hard work and a passion for learning.