From Gator to Guide: How One Graduate Turned History and Nature Into a Dream Career

Thirteen years after graduating from Allegheny College, Tyler Dreiblatt '12 has found his sweet spot, where history, nature, and storytelling come together.

As the interpretive programs manager at the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum in Delaware Seashore State Park, Dreiblatt spends his days bringing the past and the wonders of the outdoors to life for curious visitors.

"I create and lead programs for the park," he explains. "That can mean anything from artillery demonstrations and historical tours to plant-identification hikes and kayak excursions. It's never dull."

Dreiblatt, who majored in history and minored in creative writing at Allegheny, credits the College, and one professor in particular, for shaping the skills he uses every day.

Research is the backbone of everything I do," he says. "Stephen Lyons, my advisor and professor of medieval history, taught me how to dig into reliable sources and build a solid argument. And he didn't stop there. He had us present our findings, too. Learning how to clearly and confidently explain complex information has been huge in my work leading public programs.

Dreiblatt's career path hasn't followed a straight line.

"After graduation in 2012, I moved to California on a whim with some childhood friends," says Dreiblatt, who is from Vermont. "Living among the redwoods made me realize I wanted to bring the outdoors into my work."

That realization led him back to school, this time to Cal-Poly Humboldt, where he earned a certificate in environmental education and interpretation. Not long after, he landed his dream job in Delaware, where he could blend his two passions: history and the natural world.

Off-season life at the park is all about prep, researching and developing new programs and exhibits, organizing the summer schedule, and booking guest speakers. But once summer hits, things really kick into gear.

"During peak season, a day might start with a sunrise kayak tour, followed by emails and admin, and end with a squid-dissection program in the afternoon," Dreiblatt says. "It's hectic, but exciting. No two days are the same."

And while some might see history and environmental science as separate disciplines, Dreiblatt sees them as deeply connected.

"There's no conflict between talking about human history and exploring the environment," he says. "Understanding the geology of a place helps explain why certain events happened there. And knowing what a piece of land was used for in the past can guide how we protect and restore it today."

His passion hasn't gone unnoticed. In 2018, during his first year on the job in Delaware, Dreiblatt's colleagues awarded him the Mohr-Jennings Award, an honor given to employees who demonstrate exceptional dedication and enthusiasm.

"To be recognized by my peers, many of whom are incredibly talented interpreters, meant the world to me," he says. "It was confirmation that I'd found the right place, doing the right work. And it's kept me motivated ever since."

Looking back, Dreiblatt has some advice for current and future Allegheny students: Take advantage of everything.

College is probably the only time in your life when you'll have so many resources right at your fingertips," he says. "Go to office hours. Talk to your advisors. Try events that are outside your comfort zone. The people around you, your professors, classmates and staff, have so much to offer. Don't miss out on that.

These days, Dreiblatt shares his life with Becca Thomas '14, whom he met at Allegheny. He also keeps in touch with old friends through an unofficial, tongue-in-cheek beer-review group formed during college.

"Every week, we try a new beer and check in," he says. "It's a fun way to stay connected and keep those Allegheny friendships going strong."

From thoughtful kayak tours to hands-on marine biology demos, Tyler Dreiblatt has built a life doing what he loves and helping others see the world a little more clearly in the process.