We couldn't do it without them - this astounding list of volunteers keeps the Hamilton Museum in order in so many ways. From sharing their creative skills and lending muscles to being gregarious docents and exemplary customer service gurus, the Hamilton volunteers are the "cream of the crop!" We are so lucky and so thankful to have such committed volunteers - and we sincerely thank them all for their service.
Ben Jordan
has been a museum friend for a number of years - having attended numerous workshops, visiting the exhibitions and generally hanging out at this favorite place. It was no surprise to learn he wanted to "be able to help out the museum any way" that he can. Ben does just that. He's here on his scheduled days and proceeds to take on any project like he owns it!
MaryLou "Lou" Brown
is a former postmaster and phlebotomist (who knew?!). She is known to be a "toothbrush" cleaner, which we know to be an understatement. With the skills of a drill sergeant, this lovely, soft-spoken woman can scare dust bunnies away forever. Organizing is also her forte, so she and Harley work tirelessly at making the museum look great!
Dennis Ewert,
a former teacher, enjoys history so much he eagerly awaits visitors on the days he volunteers so that he can share his newfound knowledge of Hamilton. He is superbly curious and creative – and is typically off seeking learning opportunities and new hobbies when not absorbed in his kaleidoscope creation, stamp collecting, bead making or one of his other many “projects.”
Stacie Sorenson
became hooked on the museum after her initial tour and quickly developed a desire to understand and support our efforts to "keep alive the great history and artistry of printing." Her warm, calm demeanor draws visitors to her to chat - typically Wednesday afternoons - as she is also foster mom to orphaned infant kittens at various times.
Nick Larson
recently returned to the museum as a volunteer following an internship at Hatch Show Print in Nashville. He actually began at Hamilton as an intern, continued on as a volunteer, gained even more remarkable experience at Hatch - and then returned to us to continue volunteering. Nick pitches in on Saturdays, typically at his favorite task - printing.
Emily Schmidt
is a "graphic designer | visual storyteller | harmless eccentric" and another dedicated volunteer who never tires of literally any project at the museum. She is typically found with ink on her hands and a smile that lights up a room.
Harley Bopray
retired from his business, Pathar Distribution in Algoma and (lucky for the Hamilton museum) decided to share some of his free time with us! Harley is an organizer/concierge extraordinaire with a strong interest in all things historical. He also ensures that the museum is always presentable to visitors with his swift hand at removing dust and dirt.
Marcia Brice
was a designer and art director with various Chicago studios. She also taught at The American Academy of Art in Chicago and Columbia College. Marcia helps the museum on weekends and at many of our special events including gallery openings and open houses. She's an amazing head-counter, friendly greeter - plus she shares an abundance of humor.
Larry Corrado
is a retired professor of physics and computer science. He is an avid graphic design and typography hobbyist and can often be found exploring new possibilities in printing right here in our pressroom. He masters the organization of upcoming workshops and has never declined an invitation to work on a new project.
Rainer Fleshner
comes to us from North Fond du Lac. He taught at Central Michigan University and Electronic Prepress at Moraine Park Technical College. At the museum he does an amazing job of managing our Hamilton Dry Goods product photography. Rainer also prints items for research and is known to be impressively diligent and fastidious.
Glenn Leege
Glenn hales from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, worked as a cabinet assembler at Hamilton for 44 years. At the museum he leads mighty-fine Saturday tours at 1pm and 3pm, much to the delight of visitors interested in learning Hamilton history. Glenn leaves no stone unturned - he is a wealth of information and experience.
George Liesch
prepares wood for manufacturing wood type, serves as a pantograph apprentice and completes type trimming. Norb Brylski, George's father, worked for 20 years in the Hamilton type shop and has passed down his passion and skills to his daughter. She makes cutting type appear to be as smooth and easy as cutting butter... and when praised, George says matter-of-factly, "It just takes practice."
Bob Mueller
serves as our Hamilton historian and chief tour guide. He worked for many years as a Hamilton employee and is a life-long resident of Two Rivers. With an easy laugh and joyful spirit, he takes visitors on engaging Thursday tours. More than entertaining, he is as wise as an owl.
Shann Stephani
is a graphic designer who lends her wonderful creativity to the museum when she isn't out searching a new adventure. She is a world class customer service rep, and can operate a cash register with her eyes closed. Shann volunteers on Saturdays and at special events, or more specifically, those events where beer is offered.
Jim Van Lanen Sr.
is past president of the Two Rivers Historical Society and founder of the Hamilton Wood Type Museum. Jim owns and operates the Light House Inn in Two Rivers.
