Directors | Christiana Historical Society

Founding member, Former President - African American Historical Society of South Central PA
Former Vice President, United States Colored Troops Institute & Family Research Center
Member, Pennsylvania Past Players (Historical Interpretation Troupe)

~ 1st person interpretation of Lydia Hamilton Smith

(business partner and confidante of Thaddeus Stevens)

~ 1st person interpretation of Kathay Williams

(only known female Buffalo Solider)

Jim's passion is restoring buildings to their true original character with quality workmanship. www.victorianheritageinc.com
His passions also include vintage autos. His first street rod was built in 1971. He began drag racing in 1965.
He has been a member of the historical society since 1991 and oversees the documentation and survey of our borough's historical buildings.
He is also a member of the Christiana Fire Company since 2004.
In 1978 he joined the Christiana Lions Club and has been passionate about assisting the Lions Club International Foundation working on disaster relief across the nation. In 2011 Jim organized the first disaster relief for Joplin, Missouri.
He has been married to Doris since 1966, have 2 sons, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.

Kathy moved to Christiana with her husband Mike in 1985.
They have remodeled their 1898 Victorian home, restoring it to a single-family home staying true to its original state.
Kathy graduated from Gettysburg College where she became interested in Civil War history.
She completed her MBA at Widener College.
Her career spanned both working in the corporate world and teaching Spanish to elementary and high school students.
Kathy and Mike are currently retired with two adult children and have recently become grandparents.

Jeff grew up in Christiana and has always been interested in local history, but was especially inspired after reading Bud Rettew's books and learning about the many facets of Christiana's significant history.
Since graduating from Drexel University, he has served in various capacities in the non-profit sector in Philadelphia, including project management and accounting/financial management.
Jeff has always been interested in anything on wheels and can be found at many Rough & Tumble events in Kinzers and many local automotive events.
Jeff and his wife Krista have three elementary aged children, with whom he looks for every opportunity to share these interests.