Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) recognized 20 individuals for their contributions of time, talent, and expertise in 2023 at the annual Volunteer of the Year ceremony, held on Saturday, April 20, at The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.
In addition, four honorees received Outstanding Service Awards for long-term volunteer participation and exceptional dedication.
Since its beginning more than a century ago, PHMC has depended on citizen volunteers to work in partnership with its dedicated paid staff to carry out the preservation and interpretation programs of the agency. Each spring, for more than 40 years, commission leadership have gathered with volunteers to say thanks and honor exceptional service.
“Our volunteers are critical to our mission and the success of our historic sites and museums,” said PHMC Executive Director Andrea Lowery. “Today we thank them and recognize their passion for history, a strong connection to community, and a desire to welcome all who visit to learn more about our shared heritage.”
Each of the historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trails of History is invited to designate a Volunteer of the Year based on service in the preceding calendar year.
Volunteer of the Year Award recipients for 2023 are:
Mark Roth
Brandywine Battlefield Park
Marlene Sawayda
Bushy Run Battlefield
Cynthia “Cindy” Sparks Mendelson
Conrad Weiser Homestead
Michael “Mike” Bernard
Cornwall Iron Furnace
Barrie Miller
Daniel Boone Homestead
Susan Ledebur
Drake Well Museum & Park
Suzanne “Sue” Hacker Fisher
Ephrata Cloister
Jon Haverty
Erie Maritime Museum & U.S. Brig Niagara
Sharon Spiegel
Graeme Park
Carol Johnson
Hope Lodge
Jo Mueller and Brehon Odronic
Joseph Priestley House
Lin Forney
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
John Thomas
Old Economy Village
Judith Kirby
Pennsbury Manor
Arthur “Art” Kear
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Aaron Heft
Pennsylvania Military Museum
Kevin Hale
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Mary Sapalio
Somerset Historical Center
Linda Louise Love
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Outstanding Service Award recipients for 2023 are:
Bradford “Brad” Kissam
Daniel Boone Homestead
Danielle “Dani” Retallack
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Maggie and Walter Brosz
Pennsbury Manor
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more by visiting PHMC online or following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sean Adkins, sadkins@pa.gov, 717-705-5794