Cornwall, PA – The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) celebrated the extraordinary contributions of twenty-seven dedicated volunteers during its annual award ceremony on April 25, 2026. Hosted at Cornwall Iron Furnace with hospitality and catering services provided by Cornwall Manor, the event recognized those whose tireless work ensures the Commonwealth’s stories remain vibrant and accessible.
Twenty individuals were named Volunteers of the Year for their impact over the 2025 calendar year, while seven distinguished citizens received the Outstanding Service Award for their long-term devotion to the Pennsylvania Trails of History.
“Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our historic sites and museums, and their work has never been more significant than it is today,” said Andrea Lowery, PHMC Executive Director. “They are a vital link between our shared history and the communities we serve. As the Commonwealth takes center stage for America’s 250th birthday, we are grateful to these Pennsylvanians who dedicate their time and talents to ensuring our heritage is preserved with care, shared with passion and open to everyone.”
For over a century, PHMC has relied on the invaluable contributions of citizen volunteers who collaborate with dedicated paid staff to advance the agency's preservation and interpretation programs. This year marks the 51st year that the commission’s leadership has gathered to express gratitude and celebrate exceptional volunteer service.
Volunteer of the Year Award recipients for 2025:
Dana Polanichka
Anthracite Heritage Museum
Dwayne Fisher
Brandywine Battlefield Park
Henry Bowden
Bushy Run Battlefield
Brian Bachman
Cornwall Iron Furnace
Louise Griffiths
Daniel Boone Homestead
Jennifer Miller
Drake Well Museum & Park
Angie Rabbitz
Eckley Miners’ Village
Harry Beerman
Erie Maritime Museum
Tony Checchia
Graeme Park
Debra Harris
Hope Lodge
Colleen Epler-Ruths
Joseph Priestley House
Alice Best
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Carol Weber
Old Economy Village
Jacqui Pearson
Pennsbury Manor
Edward Watkins
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Simon Cressman
Pennsylvania Military Museum
John Horn
Pennsylvania State Archives
David Lewis
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Ron Musser
Somerset Historical Center
David Frederick
State Museum of Pennsylvania
Outstanding Service Award recipients for 2025:
Bonnie Ramus
Bushy Run Battlefield
Brian Beamesderfer
Conrad Weiser Homestead
Will Wingo
Drake Well Museum & Park
Bill Miller
Ephrata Cloister
Ed Bolla
Erie Maritime Museum
Larry Hess
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
David Healy
Pennsbury Manor
About Cornwall Iron Furnace
Cornwall Iron Furnace is a designated National Historic Landmark and the most intact charcoal cold-blast iron furnace in North America. In operation from 1742 to 1883, the furnace was a pillar of Pennsylvania’s early industrial prowess, producing pig iron and cannons for the American Revolution. Today, it offers visitors a window into the lives of the ironmasters and workers who shaped the American landscape.
Cornwall Iron Furnace is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) with the active support of the Cornwall Iron Furnace Associates. It is one of 23 historic sites and museums that make up the Pennsylvania Trails of History. To learn more, visit the Cornwall Iron Furnace website.
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, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram or LinkedIn.