Teach. Tell. Tour.
Where guides learn to make history feel alive.

A smiling woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing clear glasses, a septum piercing, a red sweater with a yellow and white graphic, and a denim jacket, standing outdoors near a yellow and black painted wall.

Hey Y’all!

Hey yall, I’m Ashley — the Hot Mess Historian.

Welcome to a corner of the internet where history meets adventure, and curiosity is the only ticket you need. Whether you’ve joined one of my tours, stumbled on my videos, or you’re dreaming of leading your own, you’re in the right place.

For nearly two decades, I’ve been guiding guests through stories of people, places, and the gloriously imperfect past that shaped our world. Along the way, I discovered something bigger than dates and monuments; I found connection. The laughter, the wonder, and those “wait, that really happened?” moments are what make history come alive.

Now, through The Hot Mess Historian, I’m here to share that spark and teach others how to do the same. From storytelling tips and tour-guiding workshops to travel-inspired deep dives, joining your group for a tour or just giving advice— this space is for anyone who believes history should be felt, not just studied.

So grab your curiosity (and maybe a coffee), and let’s make the past unforgettable and maybe just a little messy.

What Can I do for you?

Tour Direction & Guiding — Whether it’s hop-on guiding, taking over existing tour routes, or creating custom tours for your private group, I bring history alive with quirky stories, strong local insight, and immersive experiences.

Travel Planning & Itinerary Design — Custom trip planning for adventurers who want more than just “see the sights.”

I’ll handle everything: lodging, food, routes, timelines, hidden gems so your clients (or you!) get an unforgettable travel experience without the guesswork.

Content Strategy & Training — From blog posts to social media storytelling to guide training: I help heritage brands, tour companies, and individuals tell stories with clarity, voice, and professionalism.

I can train staff and guides on best practices or create content for your audience so history becomes a magnet, not an afterthought.

I’m a storyteller on the move! I’m available nationwide, though Savannah is home (and gets extra love from me), I guide and design travel experiences all across the United States. My sweet spots? Savannah’s hidden corners, the wild sparkle of Las Vegas, the roadside legends of Route 66, and the timeless tales carved in cemeteries.

A large red brick house on a hill with green trees and bushes in front, a white porch with columns, and a sculpture in a small fenced area. There is a bridge below with a lush wooded area underneath.
A weathered, ornate stone tombstone with a carved hand holding a scroll and a partially visible inscription, set against a background of green foliage.
Four bicycles with brown seats and baskets parked outside near a building, with greenery and a stone fountain nearby.
A small island with a few trees in a body of water, with a boat nearby and a forested shoreline in the background.
Social

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!