MISSION STATEMENT
OUR MISSION: REMEMBERING, PRESERVING, & EDUCATING
To maintain the historical, technical, and cultural fabric of Central Pennsylvania railroaders,
of all eras, and the communities they built by restoring, preserving, and interpreting their
legacy for the purpose of education throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
of all eras, and the communities they built by restoring, preserving, and interpreting their
legacy for the purpose of education throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
LEADERSHIP & VISION
EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS, HISTORIANS, & BUSINESSMEN
The Railroaders Heritage Corporation is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation founded in 1972.
The organization has a board of directors, several qualified staff members, and a number of project managers.
The organization has a board of directors, several qualified staff members, and a number of project managers.
GOVERNANCE - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
C. WICK MOORMAN
Chairman
Retired CEO of Norfolk Southern and Amtrak
Chairman
Retired CEO of Norfolk Southern and Amtrak
|
BENNETT LEVIN
Secretary |
MARK RITCHEY
Treasurer |
FRANK GIVLER
Director |
DON GRAAB
Director |
JASON LAMB
Director |
OPERATIONS - ADMINISTRATION
JOSEPH DeFRANCESCO's passion for preservation stems from his ancestral ties to three generations of railroaders. He forged a deep conviction in the museum's mission when he began volunteering as a teenager. In that capacity, DeFrancesco gained invaluable insight as a maintenance worker, museum store clerk, and restoration crew member. Years later, he graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in History and a capstone in Museum Operations. He later served as the Blair County Historical Society’s Executive Director for five years. His primary ambition is to foster a renewed sense of teamwork so board members, staff, volunteers, and residents alike can utilize valuable skills to advance the museum's mission.
MARK FREDERICK is an award-winning filmmaker whose family history is integrally tied to Altoona railroading. He has assisted in the social media growth of several history organizations, including The Furious Fourth WWII Living History Association, which he co-founded. Frederick interned at WPSU Penn State where he assisted with the documentary A Time to Heal. He thereafter graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in History from Penn State University. Frederick later joined WPSU as a production assistant while operating his own multimedia business Brush Mountain Media, LLC. Through his passion for storytelling, he aspires to bring the railroaders’ experience to life through engaging digital content.
MIRANDA HARKINS has long been a student of history. While enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, she interned at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. There, she compiled in-depth research and assisted in the creation of an exhibit conveying personal stories of the Holocaust. She thereafter graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History and a minor in Museum Studies. Miranda’s experiences in Public History and Museum Management provide a strong platform for her professional duties at our sites. She currently engages with the public firsthand—fostering community relationships, overseeing facility operations, and maintaining museum stores. Her kind heart and welcoming personality make her a great addition to the staff.
JENDY MAINES is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience and has been the owner of Central Pennsylvania Accounting since 2008. She graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree and possesses ample experience in both the for-profit and non-profit spheres. Maines was contracted to oversea aspects of the museum's financial operations including payroll, taxes, and bookkeeping. Her aim is to be personable, dependable, and professional. Her transparent business philosophy permits the organization to proceed with its mission in a capable and trustworthy manner. Her passion lies with non-profits, improving the quality of life through education and community, as well as the preservation of history.
MARK FREDERICK is an award-winning filmmaker whose family history is integrally tied to Altoona railroading. He has assisted in the social media growth of several history organizations, including The Furious Fourth WWII Living History Association, which he co-founded. Frederick interned at WPSU Penn State where he assisted with the documentary A Time to Heal. He thereafter graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in History from Penn State University. Frederick later joined WPSU as a production assistant while operating his own multimedia business Brush Mountain Media, LLC. Through his passion for storytelling, he aspires to bring the railroaders’ experience to life through engaging digital content.
MIRANDA HARKINS has long been a student of history. While enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, she interned at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. There, she compiled in-depth research and assisted in the creation of an exhibit conveying personal stories of the Holocaust. She thereafter graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History and a minor in Museum Studies. Miranda’s experiences in Public History and Museum Management provide a strong platform for her professional duties at our sites. She currently engages with the public firsthand—fostering community relationships, overseeing facility operations, and maintaining museum stores. Her kind heart and welcoming personality make her a great addition to the staff.
JENDY MAINES is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience and has been the owner of Central Pennsylvania Accounting since 2008. She graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree and possesses ample experience in both the for-profit and non-profit spheres. Maines was contracted to oversea aspects of the museum's financial operations including payroll, taxes, and bookkeeping. Her aim is to be personable, dependable, and professional. Her transparent business philosophy permits the organization to proceed with its mission in a capable and trustworthy manner. Her passion lies with non-profits, improving the quality of life through education and community, as well as the preservation of history.
