Who became the first Wikipedian in residence in 2010?

The first Wikipedian in residence was Liam Wyatt, who took the role in 2010.

Wyatt became the first Wikipedian in residence when he volunteered at the British Museum for five weeks. The arrangement created a bridge between a major cultural institution and the Wikimedia community, helping museum staff and volunteers work with Wikipedia while encouraging the sharing of knowledge and openly licensed material.

A Wikipedian in residence is generally an editor who works with a museum, library, archive, university, or similar institution. The role can include staff training, edit-a-thons, improving articles, helping release digital collections, and explaining Wikipedia’s editorial policies. The broader program is often associated with GLAM—galleries, libraries, archives, and museums.

The title does not necessarily mean a permanent employee. Wyatt’s initial placement was short, and later residents served in both volunteer and paid positions. Lori Phillips became an early subsequent resident connected with the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, while Benoît Evellin worked with the Palace of Versailles. Sarah Stierch was another early figure, joining the Smithsonian program in 2010, but none of them preceded Wyatt’s British Museum residency.