Scott Bradley

Since 2020, Scott Bradley has led The Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society with vision and vitality as its Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors, he drives the organization’s strategic direction. He oversees every facet of museum operations—from curating programs and managing finances to spearheading fundraising efforts and inspiring a passionate team of staff and volunteers. A tireless advocate for history and community engagement, Scott plays a key role in shaping the Museum’s impact within Thunder Bay’s cultural, social, and political landscape.

Before making Canada his home, Scott spent nearly two decades at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. There, he was instrumental in managing capital projects and exhibitions, developing specialized expertise in uniforms, firearms, and munitions. His leadership contributed to several award-winning exhibits and earned him the U.S. Air Force’s Exemplary Civilian Service and Meritorious Civilian Service Awards, among numerous other honours.

Scott holds both a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Public History from Wright State University. But his passion for the past began long before academia—inspired by childhood adventures on a back-to-the-land farm in Meigs County, Ohio, and imaginative quests around the Dungeons & Dragons table. That lifelong love of storytelling and historical authenticity continues today through his work and hobbies.

A medieval re-enactor and knight in the Society for Creative Anachronism, Scott is deeply engaged in experimental archaeology and historical martial arts. Whether wielding a sword, sewing a tunic, brewing ale, or building custom furniture, he’s hands-on with history. When not at the museum or in armour, he enjoys hiking, gaming, woodworking, and family life with his wife Jennifer and their two children.

Scott is an active leader in Ontario’s cultural sector, serving as chair of the Arts and Heritage Alliance of Thunder Bay and the City of Thunder Bay’s Tourism Investment Committee, and sitting on the Ontario Historical Society’s Museums and Affiliates Committee. He’s also a guest lecturer in Museum Studies at Lakehead University and a sought-after speaker at professional museum conferences across North America.

Awards & Honours

• United States Air Force, Exemplary Civilian Service Award, September 2018
• United States Air Force, History and Museum Program: Air Force Heritage Award, leader of team for the 4th Building Project
• United States Air Force, Meritorious Civilian Service Award, April 2017
• United States Air Force, History and Museum Program: Air Force Heritage Award, part of team for the exhibit Whispering Death: The F-111A in Southeast Asia
• United States Air Force, History and Museum Program: Air Force Heritage Award, part of team for the exhibit Destruction from High Above: The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress in Southeast Asia
• United States Air Force, Notable Achievement Award, September 2012
• United States Air Force, Civilian Achievement Award, August 2012
• United States Air Force, History and Museum Program: Air Force Heritage Award, part of team for the exhibit Countering MiGs: Air-to-Air Combat over North Vietnam exhibit, March 2012
• Air Force Material Command Inspector General’s Office, Outstanding Performer, March 2012
• United States Air Force, Air Force Recognition Ribbon, July 2007 (Air Force History Program Exhibit Team Award for the exhibit Return with Honor: American Prisoners of War in Southeast Asia)
• United States Air Force, Notable Achievement Award, September 2006
• United States Air Force, Civilian Achievement Award, November 2003