Board of Directors
ALHFAM’s Board of Directors is responsible for managing the organization and for setting its policies and future direction. It includes the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and immediate past president, each of whom serve for two years, and nine board members. These nine board members are elected in groups of three new board members each year, each of whom serve one three-year term.
Regular board meetings are held twice a year: at the annual meeting and again in the late fall at a board member’s site. Board minutes are posted on ALHFAM.org and published in the Bulletin after they are approved by the board. ALHFAM Board Members at the 2025 June Board Meeting- Arkansas
OFFICERS OF THE ALHFAM BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident / Mark Texel (Term Expires 2027)
Mark has worked professionally in living history museums/parks since 1988. Currently Administrator for the New Jersey Office of Historic Sites, he directly oversees 50+ state historic sites, 20+ history professionals, and 24 nonprofit partners. He previously served as Director of the NJ State Park Service (including Office of Historic Sites) from 2012 – 2021. Mark holds B.A.’s in American History and American Music, and a Certificate in Historic Preservation. He has portrayed both civilian and military as a member of progressive living history units and leads the NJ Living History Advisory Council. Active in ALFHAM as an individual and/or institutional member since 1988, he served on the Board of Directors 2003 – 2006; chaired/co-chaired 4 regional meetings (Mtn. Plains & Mid-Atlantic) and served on two Annual Meeting and Conference committees in 1995 and 2003. ALHFAM’s most pressing issue and how they may be addressed: “A pressing issue facing ALHFAM is expanding its leadership role in living history. Another is attracting new members with diversity in age, gender identification, race, and culture. ALHFAM must champion the complexity of those who ‘peopled’ the lands and preserved cultural resources. We must focus on ALHFAM’s core messages through a vibrant online presence to attract new members and showcase the organization’s role in preserving historic trades, skills, and knowledge.” The President is the chair of the Committee on Organizational Partnerships (COOP).
I learned about ALHFAM from Ed Schulz while working as an interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg in 2005. I have been an active ALHFAM member since the annual conference in Farmers Branch, TX, and have presented at regional and annual conferences. In 2016, I was the chair of the MA-ALHFAM regional conference hosted by HSMC, and from 2020 to 2023, I served on the Board of Directors. There are two pressing issues for ALHFAM: First is the need to recruit and retain a young and diverse population of living history professionals. Second, museums need to be relevant. These two issues are not exclusive: Young people and minorities need to see themselves represented in museums to ensure continued relevance. The Vice-President is the chair of the Committee on Regional Networking (CORN). Past-President / Jim Lauderdale (Term Expires 2027)
Jim is the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum Director and has served on the ALHFAM Board of Directors, as FARM PIG Co-Chair, and STP Committee Liaison. He's also a member of the Historic Fort Steilacoom Board of Directors, was the Nash Farm Manager, Texas Living History Association Vice President and President, and a Barrington Living History Farm Interpreter. Jim joined ALHFAM and attended his first annual conference in 2012 at Farmer’s Branch Historical Park. He saw first-hand what makes it a great organization: the many knowledgeable and talented members, willing to network and share their skills with others. He has seen ALHFAM grow and become even more accessible in a digital age and he believes in the organization’s mission and feels certain ALHFAM has a role in shaping living history, farm and agricultural museums of the future.
Secretary / Joleen Linson (Term Expires 2028)
I started working at Historic Arkansas Museum just a few short months after graduating from the University of Central Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in history. My position was part-time in education, which is what introduced me to living history. In 2016, I became the director of education. I became the museum’s assistant director in 2022. I served two terms as secretary of the Arkansas Living History Association, which required me to oversee membership and conference registrations as well as taking minutes at the organization’s meetings. I attended my first SEALHFAM conference in 2003. Most of my early ALHFAM experience is strictly with the regional conferences. In 2022, I attended my first International Conference in Tacoma. I believe one of the most pressing issues facing ALHFAM is remaining relevant to the public as well as the organizations we work for. We live in a time where someone can easily watch a short clip of changes in clothing or building over centuries. While this might show historical advances, it doesn’t connect us to the human experience as living history can. Living history is often the not the primary focus for many institutions. As organizations look to save money, unfortunately it is the living history programs that often take the hit, especially with new administrators that do not understand the importance of teaching history through living history. For living history to remain relevant through both issues, we have to advocate for our place at the table and continue to show that making human connections teaches people about the past in a way that other methods cannot. Directors with Terms Expiring in 2027
Cece Otto
I was introduced to ALHFAM by Kay Demlow, who was helping me create reproduction clothing for a program. I gave my first presentation in 2018 at the Western regional conference and went on to present every year from 2020 to 2023, where I was able to perform a full-fledged concert. I currently serve as the Western Region representative. ALHFAM’s most pressing issues and how they may be addressed: Since the Covid pandemic, museums and historic sites have been losing staff due to budget cuts, retirement, or the increasing use of virtual spaces. And, as awareness grows about people left out of conventional narratives, it is urgent for museums to include the perspective of BIPOC and other marginalized groups. The challenge for AHLFAM is to maintain and grow its membership and help foster a growing community of living history professionals that reflects contemporary audiences’ concerns and preferences. While continuing in its strong legacy of preservation, ALHFAM needs to a) encompass more intangible skills like art, music, and domestic topics; b) increase efforts to recruit and serve independent contractors and consultants; c) recruit BIPOC talent; and d) consider providing resources for mental health support for members tasked with depicting sensitive topics. These efforts will increase membership, provide a renewed sense of purpose to the living history community, and position ALHFAM to better serve its members.
I was fortunate to be nominated as an international fellow with ALHFAM in 2014. I have since attended several Annual Conferences, including the latest in Ohio in 2023. ALHFAM’s most pressing issues and how they may be addressed: As an international fellow I have a unique opportunity to view trends in both European and American museum developments. While there are many differences we also struggle with the same dilemmas, and, most importantly, issues with funding and how to remain relevant in an ever-changing world. I think the museums in Europe can learn a great deal from how North American museums have been tackling sensitive issues while museums in North America can also look towards Europe in terms of innovative ways of presenting history. An international fellow from Iceland can perhaps be seen as a bridge between the two continents.
My first experience with the ALHFAM was in Farmers Branch, Texas. Since 2012, I’ve participated in every national conference except one and attended numerous regional conferences. I also served as co-chair when Nash Farm hosted the 2019 Joint Mountain Plains/TLHA conference. I led several workshops at national and regional conferences, chaired the HAT PIG, and served as a regional rep for the Mountain-Plains Region. Pressing issues facing ALHFAM and how they may be addressed: A significant challenge for ALHFAM involves attracting new members, including young professionals, seasoned interpreters, and institutions, while retaining the engagement of long-term members. The organization should continue to focus on historical skills and knowledge while broadening its range of expertise. This includes seeking and valuing input from previously marginalized communities, ensuring their contributions are integrated meaningfully. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge the frequently overlooked skills and events of the 20th century, which are distant and unfamiliar history to many, both members and those we serve. To remain relevant ALHFAM must bridge the gap between traditional views of history and a broader scope that includes the recent past by addressing contemporary expectations while upholding our commitment to historical integrity and educational value. DIRECTORS WITH TERMS EXPIRING IN 2028
Dr. Kelly-Arlene Grant holds a PhD in Humanities from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Society and Culture at Concordia University in Montreal. The primary focus of her career has been to create accurate characters for living history programming at historic sites in Atlantic Canada and beyond. She has 30+ years of experience working with sites at all three levels of government. Her first taste of ALHFAM’s ridiculous essence of cool came through a conference held at Fortress Louisbourg back in 2002. Through that conference, she found there were other extreme interpretation nerds like her out in the world. She was also introduced to the works of Tilden Freeman and Jay Anderson and started to build out her library beyond costuming books. That conference also sparked an interest in character development that shaped her later academic pursuits. I believe that the main pressing issue for Canadians in ALHFAM stems from the organization being focused in the United States. Many opportunities that ALHFAM may offer apply only to our American cousins. The Job Board also leans heavily towards American sites. Having a Canadian site will lead to a heavier workload for Canadian members but may allow for greater access to opportunities we are more aptly geared for.
I attended my first conference in March 2020 and have attended either virtually and in-person every annual conference since. Primarily, I am focused on the project of the Living History Institute, which seeks to encourage and examine the practices of living history. I am deeply committed to Living History and its professionalization. I think ALHFAM’s most pressing issue is exposure to the trend of public history moving away from living history and the shuttering of living history programs. The struggle of our specialty to gain understanding in the wider public history field is a massive issue. As practitioners of living history, we also need to be advocates for the practice in order to preserve and interpret the intangible cultural heritage that the wonders of living history can do. Kori Taber
I joined the ALHFAMily in 2024. When searching for professional development opportunities, I came across the 2024 annual conference and was fortunate to receive a fellowship. Since then, I have had more opportunities for professional development and personal growth within the ALHFAM organization through ALHFAM resources and connections with other members. One of the most pressing issues facing ALHFAM is being a professional organization that is accessible, enticing and engaging for young professionals. ALHFAM is a wealth of knowledge and connections. It is important that the “next generation” receives this knowledge and that connections are shared. I believe it would be good to reach those who are up and coming in the field by partnering with more educational programs both in more traditional school settings and by reaching out to new professionals in the field. DIRECTORS WITH TERMS EXPIRING IN 2029
I have worked professionally as an architectural preservationist with FEMA from 2020 to 2026, conducting project reviews for cultural and environmental resource impacts on federal undertakings. My master of science in historic preservation and my thesis, “Food Interpretation at House Museums and Historic Sites,” grew out of a lifelong interest in how food and the built environment shape each other. The thesis identified real gaps in how historic sites approach food programming and worked directly with institutions to improve their programs and increase visitation. Outside of work I create food and cooking content for Beyondish.com, and I get back into the kitchen or on the floor as a server whenever I can. I first learned about ALHFAM through an employee at Billings Farm while writing my thesis, but it wasn't until 2022, at my first conference in Tacoma, Washington, that I truly fell in love with this organization and the people who are part of it. I have been the co-rep for the New England Region since 2023. I think ALHFAM has a real opportunity right now to grow and to reach people who haven't always felt connected to living history. That means thinking seriously about our digital presence, building out mentorship and making early-career membership more accessible, and actually listening to members through things like exit surveys. It also means helping sites figure out how to grow visitation and stay relevant and taking a hard look at where the gaps are in how we connect with communities, with each other and with audiences we haven't reached yet. This organization has meant a lot to me professionally and personally. I want to help make sure it does the same for the people coming up behind us.
My passion for living history began in 1999 as a volunteer reenactor at Schoenbrunn Village in Ohio. In 2002 I launched my professional career in public history, interpreting the Miami & Erie Canal and the 1794 Battle of Fallen Timbers for Metroparks Toledo. Since then, I have built a decades-long career in living history interpretation, historic agriculture and heritage livestock management, with roles including Historic Farmer at Historic Brattonsville in South Carolina and Site Manager at Island Farm in North Carolina. Since moving to Texas in 2012, I have served with the Texas Historical Commission and currently hold the position of Executive Director at the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site Complex. This role encompasses oversight of the Washington Townsite Experience, the Star of the Republic Museum, Barrington Living History Farm and Fanthorp Inn State Historic Sites.
Cameron began his involvement in living history at a young age and has worked at multiple historic sites, developing a strong foundation in agricultural and military interpretation, skill-based living history and delivering immersive visitor experiences. He holds a degree in American Studies from Siena College and has built his career around advancing professional standards and sustainable interpretive practice within the field. His introduction to ALHFAM came in 2010 during his farming internship with Ed Schultz at Colonial Williamsburg. Cameron has since presented at Mid-Atlantic ALHFAM conferences and was reinvigorated in 2015 with “Farmers Boot Camp” at the 2015 Annual Conference at Colonial Williamsburg. Many of the ALHFAM regions have been hit hard with site closures and budget limitations amongst its members. Strengthening ALHFAM’s regions will make the organization healthy and relevant for the future, including looking at where the regional lines are currently drawn. Regions need to deliver skill training, workshops and strong regional conferences, which will drive membership and improve the public history field by inspiring and training the next generation of living historians. |
I became interested in living history as an undergraduate intern at Valley Forge National Historic Site. After this experience, I pursued a public history MA focusing on historic preservation and interpretation. I have worked professionally in the living history field since 2005, beginning at Colonial Williamsburg and then moving to Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC) in 2007. I currently serve as Director of Education for HSMC and on the Museum Studies steering committee at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. 
In 2021 I retired from The Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI after 28 years of service as Collections Manager and as curator. I managed a departmental group of around seven staff with a budget of around $700K. I was the primary grant writer for collections stewardship grants, generating over $4M in successful applications. I have been involved with ALHFAM since attending my first conference in 1980. I have served on the Board, as a regional representative, and as a conference chair for national and regional meetings. I have been active in the CPR PIG and I currently co-chair the Auction Committee.
For over 10 years I have performed as a “living historian of music” with An American Songline®, an ongoing project I created and operate. It combines my academic training in performance and music history with researching how music has reflected and influenced American history. I create and perform programs dedicated to a particular historic event or movement and guide the audience with context for the songs as I sing them in period clothing. I’ve also consulted on sheet music or musical ephemera collections for several historic sites.
I completed my bachelor’s degree in history with the University of Iceland in 2006. I then went on to graduate as an archaeologist, MA degree, in 2023, from the same university. After leaving university in 2006, I joined the Reykjavik City Museum as a full staff member. I had been a part-time employee with the organisation during my studies. In 2014 the museum amalgamated with other historical museums and sites in Reykjavik, to form a new city museum. I became the project manager for the Árbær museum sector of the City Museum. That sector is an open-air museum, originally founded in 1957, and it is Iceland´s biggest. Apart from my museum work I have also been a volunteer with my local sports club. I became chairman of the club in 2013 and remained in that role for three years. I have also been presented with a gold badge from the Icelandic Volleyball association for volunteer work.
I discovered my calling as a youth volunteer at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site. Over a four-decade career, I’ve held a variety of positions including National Park Service ranger, lead educator for a private nonprofit, and independent foodways and clothing expert. Currently the Nash Farm Coordinator, I oversee development and implementation of educational programs and special events for three historic areas, and direct the part-time staff and volunteers. 
My professional experience is rooted in frontline public interpretation and historical skills. I hold a degree in History from the University of Mary Washington. I have worked at institutions large and small from JYF to Fort Ticonderoga to Alamance Battleground, where I am now Manager. At Ticonderoga, I served as site ox driver and military trainer. At Alamance, I built our program from the ground up, based on the fundamentals of living history practice.
I hold a Master’s in Recreation and Parks management. After volunteering for three years while in school, I joined the staff at the Conococheague Institute in 2023 as the Visitor Experience Facilitator. I recently transitioned to the Programs and Farmstead Manager.
ALHFAM
P.O. Box 308, Arlington, VT. 05250 - info@alhfam.org |
