Board

Dennis Kam, President

Dennis Kam has been on the Board of Directors since 2007 and is currently President of the Society.Dennis was trained as an Economist at the University of Saskatchewan and at Queens University, but spent most of career as a Senior Executive in the Federal Public Service, working in the area of expenditure and financial management.

“ I joined because I had a long-standing interest in History writ large and, as a new resident of Niagara-on-the-Lake, I wished to learn about the history of the Niagara region.I considered the NHS&M as the best interlocutor for this history lesson. Its key role in preserving and communicating the historical record of NOTL also enticed me to become more actively involved in order to contribute to strengthening and expanding its influence in our community.”

Karen McGrath, Vice-President Museum

Karen McGrath joined the Board of Directors in 2008 as part of the Planning and Physical Plant Portfolio.

Karen is bilingual and has been a professional librarian since 1982. She has worked in federal libraries (National Library of Canada), in Niagara area public libraries, and is currently the Director of Library and Bookstore Services at Niagara College in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake.  She is the 2012 President of the Ontario Library Association, a Past-President of the Ontario Public Library Association and has also served as a Ministerial appointment on the board of the Southern Ontario Library Service (SOLS).

“ In my work at the NOTL public library I came to know this community and the cultural riches that it holds.  I became particularly interested in the upcoming 1812 bicentennial celebrations.  I hope to make some contribution to the Museum in its plans to facilitate community celebrations, but more importantly, to work at broadening the base of NOTL residents who will become regular visitors to see the hidden treasures that are in the collections of their own Museum.”

Julian Rance, Vice-President Society

Julian Rance joined the Board of Directors in 2010 and is currently part of the Planning and Physical Plant Portfolio and the Finance and Administration Portfolio. Prior to retiring to Niagara on the Lake Julian worked in various industries such as Air Transportation, Aerospace manufacturing and Municipal Water Utilities in Europe, Australia, Canada, the USA and the Caribbean. In addition to his involvement at the NHSM Julian is a Docent at the Shaw Festival and also supports and is involved with a variety of organizations and activities in NOTL.

"Wherever I have lived in the world I have found that the "Soul" of a community can often be discovered in its appreciation and record of its past. As long as I can recall I have been an ardent student of history, not only of the macro events that define world history but also the micro events that define and help explain thedevelopment of a community.The Niagara Historical Society and museum is a wonderful record of our community and in working with the Board of Directors and Staff of the museum I am able to appreciate more fully what a wonderful community we dolive in."

Martin Richardson emigrated to Canada from the U.K. in 1967, a Chartered Accountant by profession. After 18 years as a financial and risk management executive with large agricultural commodity manufacturing companies, he applied the acquired experience with entrepreneurial start-up companies in similar fields, grew their activities until sold as viable enterprises. Currently he acts as the general manager with a small winery in Niagara. Since early Canadian history was not part of his educational curriculum a series of lectures at the N.H.S Museum gave great insight into the formation of the Canadian identity and a better understanding of our current political environment. A museum can be a great educational tool to understand the development of national characteristics and, to this end, he hopes to assist the growth and use of the Niagara Historical Museum.

Terry Boulton, Secretary

Terry Boulton joined the Board of Directors in 2008. He taught overseas several times in England and Australia and was head of the English Department at the high school level, Terry is part of the Finance and Administration Portfolio and the Membership and Development Portfolio.

“Born into a family with a long history in Town and having been raised here, I have always felt an affinity for the Town and its history. I honour the opportunity to give back to the Town through my involvement with the Niagara Historical Society and Museum.”

Amalie Enns

Molly Enns has been on the Board since 2007.  She is currently part of the Publications and Communications Portfolio.  Molly has a BA and MA in Philosophy from Brock University and is a partner in P.G. Enns Farms Ltd.

“ I joined the Board because I wanted to participate in some form of community service.  The museum is an integral institution of the town of Niagara.  To be able to assist in the preservation of the history of our town for future generations is a privilege.”

Charles Jackson

Chuck Jackson has been on the Board since October 2007 on the Publications and Communications Portfolio. A graduate of Oberlin College (BA) and the University of Pittsburgh (MBA), he spent 30 years with a major Philadelphia department store group, much of the time as the senior executive responsible for HR and Labour Relations. He came to Toronto in 1989 as an HR executive with Dylex, Ltd. followed by 7 years as an independent management consultant dealing with corporate downsizings and executive search. He retired to Niagara-on-the-Lake with his wife Sandra Lawrence in 1999. Chuck recently joined the Board of the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts.

“ As a lifelong student of history I am pleased to participate in an institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting and presenting the rich history of Niagara so that residents and visitors can appreciate and understand the importance of the past.”

Neil Rumble

Neil Rumble has been on the Board since 2006 and is part of the Physical Plant and Planning Portfolio.  Previous to his retirement, Neil served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Air Force.  His career after the military involved marketing, sales and fitness.  He moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake and ran the Chamber of Commerce for nine years.  He presently is involved in many local organizations and sits on the boards of St. Andrews Church and the St. Andrews Scottish Society.

“I have always been interested in history and military artefacts.  I believe people should involve themselves in their community.”

Lorraine Joyner

Lorraine joined the Board of Directors in 2012 as a member of the Membership and Development Committee.  Lorraine is bilingual and worked in Toronto as a professional translator for several major companies.  She moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the early 90s to open her own B&B.  Since then, she has been involved with numerous organizations mostly pertaining to art and just recently has been invited to join the 1812 Bicentennial celebrations by working with volunteer heritage strollers as well as by sponsoring many events. In 2007, she was the recipient of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Cultural Contribution to the Community award as well as the Volunteer of the Year award.

“It is an honour to have been asked to contribute in decision making pertaining to the future of the Niagara Historical Society & Museum”.   

Steve Hinchliffe

Steve Hinchliffe joined the Board in 2011 as part of the Membership and Development Portfolio. Although retired, he continues to work in a contracted management position for a Crown Corporation that serves the Great Lakes and St Lawrence Seaway shipping industry. Steve is active in a number of local organizations, including the Canadian Canal Society, the Friends of Fort George, the Niagara Ephemera Society, Dickens Fellowship and the Niagara East Probus Club.

" As a life long resident of the peninsula, it will be gratifying to involved with those who have a passion for preserving the history of Niagara."

Elizabeth Surtees

Elizabeth Surtees joined the Board in 2011 where she is part of the Publications and Communications portfolio.

Liz attended the University of London (UK) and University of Windsor (ON) and has a BA in Psychology.  She has worked extensively in educational environments and prior to retirement she held an administrative position at a not-for-profit radio station.

" I was pleased to be asked to join the Board from a personal interest point of view, and also to help increase the outreach of the Museum and Society to the community.  Specifically, I look forward to contributing to the physical regeneration of the Museum with regard to a new audio-visual display".