Kelley House Museum ~ Board & Staff
Sarah Nathe, President
“The Kelley House offers a window into the past on the Mendocino coast and an open door to the rest of the world. I meet people there–some from nearby, others from far-flung parts of the globe–who have fascinating histories and interesting perspectives on the present and the future.”
Jane Tillis, Board Member
“I’m here because I love the history of the area. Joining the Kelley House Museum gave me the opportunity to learn local history and impart it to our visitors. We have a number of books, periodicals and articles available at the museum, and they make it so much fun to learn (and it’s easy as well).”
Ian Roth, Treasurer
“When my wife and I purchased the Seagull Inn Bed and Breakfast in July 2018, one of the first things we did was to visit the Kelley House Museum to learn about the history of the Switzer House that was built in 1883 originally as a residence. We were greeted with open arms, a wealth of information and tools to research on our own. After our first meeting, we immediately joined as a Business Member. A few months later, I was asked to replace the outgoing Treasurer and because of my love for the Kelley House Museum, the answer was an easy ‘YES’.”
Rob Hawthorn, Board Member
“I’m a book seller and the events coordinator at Gallery Bookshop. I moved to Mendocino in 1996. Immediately, I noticed the town’s charm and a community of local characters that I’d quickly become friends with. I lived in a house in town and walked down to Portuguese Beach each morning, stopping by shops and saying hi to my new neighbors. They all told some amazing stories that introduced me to the rich history of this town. Kelley House became a place I took friends and family when they visited and the founders of Mendocino became like dear old friends. Since then, I’ve wanted to be here, at the Kelley House Museum, to care for my dear old friends and to share their stories so they’ll always be remembered.”
Anne Semans, Director
“I moved to the Mendocino Coast along with my two young daughters in 2005. We were introduced to the Kelley House through the Mendocino Grammar School as part of their work teaching kids about California history. All the projects—building Pomo shelters, model dairy farms, water towers—they brought history to life and helped all of us learn to love and respect the land, our history, and diverse cultures. After a career in marketing it makes me happy to help helm the Kelley House Museum through its next chapter.”
Marguerite O’Brien, Curator
“I have always loved history and knew from the age of 14 that I wanted to work in museums to help preserve our history and culture for generations to come. Having been born and raised in Willits, my love of museums and history began with visits to the Mendocino County Museum and the Fine Arts Museums in San Francisco. I have a BA in Classical Studies and am finishing my graduate studies in Museum Professions with a concentration in Museum Registration and Collections Management. I served first as an intern with the Kelley House and am incredibly excited and honored to come on board as the new Curator.”
Join the Kelley House Museum Board of Directors
The Kelley House Museum is always seeking new board members. If you are committed to the Kelley House’s mission to preserve, protect, and share the rich history of the Mendocino coast, we’d love to meet you.
Board Duties and Responsibilities
- Uphold the mission of the organization.
- Attend monthly KHM board meetings.
- Volunteer at events.
- Maintain a Kelley House membership.
- Talk about the Kelley House with your friends, family, and co-workers!
Interested? Contact the Director by phone, 707-937-5791 or email to learn more about next steps.