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2023 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner: An Evening of Celebration and Gratitude
October 20th, 2023
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites was honored to recognize volunteers and their many contributions during the 2023 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
Bethlehem, PA – [October 20th, 2023] – Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS) was honored to host over 70 volunteers during the 2023 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, held on Thursday, October 19th at the 1869 Luckenbach Mill. The festivities opened with catered dinner, graciously donated by K’Town Pub Taphouse & BBQ. Following the dinner, awards were presented to highlight the contributions of seven outstanding volunteers. These volunteers exemplify HBMS’ commitment to preservation and public engagement.
Hundreds of people support HBMS by offering their time and talents of its mission to preserve and share history. The volunteers play an integral role in running our festivals, museums, programs, gardens and so much more.
Honoree Pat Corpora receives an award from HBMS President and CEO LoriAnn Wukitsch. Pat Corpora recently retired after ten years as head of the Burnside Gardeners. He leaves behind a rich legacy of service and an award-winning garden.
Sue Ardron was recognized for her contributions to children’s programming. Sue’s ability to connect with and inspire young guests has increased the number of families visiting the museums.
Marjorie Babaz was honored for her leadership during Blueberry Festival and Apple Days, two HBMS Signature Events. For many, our annual festivals serve as the first exposure to HBMS and its mission. Marjorie’s involvement over the past three years has been critical in helping to provide a positive guest experience.
Honoree Jim Whildin has been building putzes (Moravian Nativity displays) for Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites for over ten years. A retired architect, Jim expertly blends historical accuracy with creativity. Each holiday season, guests are delighted by Jim’s innovative and whimsical displays. You can see his work at the Lehigh Valley International Airport.
Honoree Joanne McCarthy has played an instrumental role in helping to create inviting displays for the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe and gift shops. Sales directly support collections, conservation, and public programming.
Sonja Walker was honored for her work with the collections of HBMS, composed of over 70,000 objects. Thanks to Sonja’s work, we will soon be our making collections more accessible to the public.
A textile artist, Barbara Schulman has spent countless hours assisting with exhibit installations at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts and Moravian Museum of Bethlehem. Barbara’s keen eye for style truly elevates the visitor experience.
Help us to bring history to life!
Give back to your community and become a volunteer at Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites!
We offer a variety of short and long-term volunteer opportunities that will allow you to share your talents and join a vibrant community of people at historicbethlehem.org.
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS) is a not-for-profit institution that brings to life three centuries of American history. HBMS tells the story of a town of great influence. It is home to some of our nation’s early settlers, the first pumped municipal water system in the American colonies, and one of the world’s greatest industrial companies. Bethlehem is located in eastern Pennsylvania, an hour’s drive north from Philadelphia and 2 hours west of New York City. Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and part of a National Historic Landmark District — a designated site on the US World Heritage Tentative List. HBMS is proud to be a part of the effort to bring World Heritage Site status to Historic Moravian Church Settlements—Bethlehem along with Herrnhut, Germany and Gracehill, Northern Ireland/UK.
