Meet Ashley Hlebinsky | Firearms Historian and Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Hlebinsky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
As a historian of firearms history, technology, culture and society, my work provides an apolitical and education focused approach to understanding a hotly political topic in today’s society. By providing historical information to a range of clients, my research helps to create a larger understanding of a subject many people seek to know more about, regardless of where they sit on the debate. I work with museums and public institutions around the world to effectively communicate such an emotionally charged topic to a wide array of people as a means to foster understanding and a productive dialogue that could hopefully create positive change in the future.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been busy pretty much since I started my career. At 25, I was fortunate to be placed in charge of the only accredited firearms museum in the country and oversaw a multimillion dollar renovation before my 30th birthday. During my time with that museum, I began working with other museums as a consultant for their arms and armor related collections, providing insight on anything from collections care to public education on controversial topics.Being so young and also a woman in a male dominated field, I definitely had to study up to make sure I knew what I was doing as in some parts of my job, there was little margin for error. Luckily, I had amazing mentors to help guide me in my career.  Today, I consult for museums, serve as expert witness on civil and criminal cases, write for several publications, and am a television personality and producer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I lived in a small town in Wyoming for 7 years, so unsurprisingly, I love Cave Creek and Old Town Scottsdale. Now that I live in a major metropolitan area, I’m constantly impressed that I can continue to find amazing food and entertainment every place I look. If I had friends in from out of town, I would definitely hit a wide variety of places throughout the Valley. I’d take them to see some bull riding at the Buffalo Chip. Eat at restaurants such as the Second Story in Old Town and Elements at Sanctuary. I love going to the Century Grand for unique cocktail experiences. And if we were going out on a Friday night, I’d have to take them to one of the drag shows at Kobalt or BS West.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it were not for mentors who believed in me. From Soldiers and Sailors Museum and Memorial Hall, where I had my first museum internship that peaked my interest, to the curator of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Firearms Collection and so many countless people along the way. It takes a lot to give a chance to a young woman in such a male dominated field and I appreciate all of the support I’ve received along the way.

Website: theguncode.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyinheels/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleylynnhlebinsky/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashleyhlebinsky

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialashleyhlebinsky