Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) recognized 23 individuals for their contributions of time, talent, and expertise in 2022 at a Volunteer of the Year Ceremony, held on Saturday, April 15 at The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg.
In addition, one honoree received the Outstanding Service Award for long-term volunteer participation and exceptional dedication in memoriam.
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 integral to the success of our historic sites and museums,” said PHMC Executive Director Andrea Lowery. “They bring a 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 are invited to designate a Volunteer of the Year based on service in the preceding calendar year.
Volunteer of the Year Award recipients for 2022 are:
Chester Kulesa
Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces Associates
Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces
Mario Lerario
Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates
Brandywine Battlefield Park
Jim Comunale
Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society
Bushy Run Battlefield
Lynn Otto
Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead
Conrad Weiser Homestead
Dan Snyder
Friends of Cornwall Iron Furnace
Cornwall Iron Furnace
Friends of Daniel Boone Homestead
Daniel Boone Homestead
Faith Mealy and Amber Hannold
Friends of Drake Well Inc.
Drake Well Museum and Park
Matthew Gaydos
Eckley Miners’ Village Associates
Eckley Miners’ Village
Douglas Gehr
Ephrata Cloister Associates
Ephrata Cloister
Gayle Chojnacki
Flagship Niagara League
Erie Maritime Museum and US Brig Niagara
Kevin Horan
Friends of Graeme Park
Graeme Park
Phil Williams
Friends of Hope Lodge
Hope Lodge
Micheal McWilliams
The Friends of Joseph Priestley House
Joseph Priestley House
Linda Schock
Landis Valley Associates
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Joyce Patterson
Friends of Old Economy Village
Old Economy Village
Douglas Lehnen
The Pennsbury Society
Pennsbury Manor
Janifer and John Halter
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Associates
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
Simon Cressman
Friends of the Pennsylvania Military Museum
Pennsylvania Military Museum
Stephen Jacobs
Friends of the Railroad Museum
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Ron Hillegas
Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County
Somerset Historical Center
Alice Herncane
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Outstanding Service Award
Nancy Hetrick (1944-2022)
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Associates (PALMA)
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum
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.