Amy Ballard began her career at the Smithsonian Institution in 1976 working for James Goode, Curator of the Smithsonian Building. She retired from the Architectural History and Historic Preservation Office at the Smithsonian 2016 as Senior Historic Preservation Specialist Emerita.
She is a member of the Society of Commercial Archaeology, Historic Congressional Cemetery, the Association of Oldest Inhabitants and the Committee of 100. She also serves as a trustee of Hillwood Museum, Estate and Gardens and leads the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Her long-standing interest in Russian culture has led to participation in conferences in Russia and with the U.S. Department of State to lecture on Smithsonian architecture and historic preservation. She is co-author of The Guide to Smithsonian Architecture.
