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He's History: After 25 Years as Jefferson’s Keeper of the Past, F. Michael Angelo, Retires

This image shows F. Michael Angelo standing in front of an artwork at his retirement ceremony in May 2026.

After a quarter of a century of caring for Thomas Jefferson University’s most prized historical artifacts, F. Michael Angelo, the Robert M. Stein, MD ’68, FACC, FAHA Archivist, Head of Historic Collections, and Teaching Associate, has retired.

Angelo was honored on May 27 for his 25 years of dedication to overseeing the archives through curating historical exhibits; creating content on the University Archives website; giving tours and lectures; designing and running educational programs; and directing the efforts to acquire, preserve, and make available for research official University records, personal papers, memorabilia, and other materials of enduring historical value to Jefferson.

Angelo, who joined Jefferson as Head of Historic Collections in 2001, was instrumental in guiding the creation of the Marion J. Siegman, PhD, FAPS, Archives of Thomas Jefferson University, the spacious, state-of-the-art facility that opened in the Scott Memorial Library in 2024.

This image shows stickers given out at F. Michael Angelo's retirement ceremony in May 2026.

He was the inaugural holder of the endowed archivist position, which was established by Stein in 2025. At his retirement celebration he was feted by Stein, Siegman — whose generous gift helped create the new home to the archive — and Susan C. Aldridge, PhD, president of Thomas Jefferson University, who honored Angelo with the title Archivist Emeritus.

A self-described “history nerd,” Angelo earned his MA in history at New York University and went on to achieve a certificate in Archival Management and Historical Editing.

When Angelo arrived at Jefferson in 2001, he put into place programs that raised the level of awareness of the benefits the archives provide. He said he sees history as a living thing — something to not only pass on to future generations, but something that can guide them, as well.

He once said: “Every day I’m in the archives I discover something that probably nobody else knew. It’s a really exciting place to be — where I can help scholars advance knowledge and help students understand the past.”

Angelo says he won’t be going far, and expects to visit Center City and Jefferson as he enjoys retirement with his wife, Susan, and their cats.