Hanford Mills Museum Announces New Hires

[East Meredith, NY] After conducting a national search, Hanford Mills Museum has hired two new staff members: Kajsa Harley as Manager of Interpretation, Programs, Research and Collections; and Amanda Manahan as Collections Technician/Lead Interpreter.

Kajsa Harley has experience coordinating education programs, special events, community relations, strategic planning, grant writing, and interpretation. She was previously the Manager of Public Programs at the New York State Historical Association. A board member of The Exhibition Alliance, Kajsa received a Master’s in History Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program.  “Kajsa is an accomplished museum professional, and we’re delighted to have her become part of the team at Hanford Mills Museum,” said Liz Callahan, the Museum’s executive director.

The Museum’s new Collections Technician/Lead Interpreter, Amanda Manahan, received a Master’s in History Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program in 2012.  This summer, she worked at Hanford Mills as a special projects assistant. Prior to coming to Hanford Mills, Amanda served in paid, intern and volunteer positions at The Museum at Bethel Woods, Mackinac State Historic Parks, NYSHA, the D&H Canal Museum, and the Smithsonian. 

“Amanda demonstrated outstanding curatorial and interpretive abilities in her work here this summer, and we are delighted to welcome her as a permanent member of the Hanford Mills Museum staff,” said Callahan. She noted that both Amanda and Kasja will be on staff before the Museum’s Ice Harvest on February 2.

About Hanford Mills Museum

Hanford Mills Museum, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2013, operates an authentic water and steam-powered historic site. The mission of Hanford Mills Museum is to inspire audiences of all ages to explore connections between energy, technology, natural resources and entrepreneurship in rural communities with a focus on sustainable choices. The museum, which is listed on the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places, will open for the season May 15.

Hanford Mills Museum is located at 51 County Highway 12 in East Meredith, at the intersection of Delaware County Routes 10 & 12, just 10 miles from Oneonta, and 15 miles from Delhi.  For more information, visit www.hanfordmills.org or call 607/278-5744.