VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT! BOB CLEVELAND This month, CSPM recognizes the service of Bob Cleveland. Bob began volunteering in early 2016. Meg Poole, Program Coordinator, recalls meeting Bob for the first time, “Bob shared that he was retired military and that he didn’t have a lot of experience working with kids. It just so happened that our greatest need was for volunteers to support our school programs. I’ll never forget the look on Bob’s face! It was out of his comfort zone but he was up for the challenge. This has been his attitude from day one and we are fortunate to have him.” Bob explained that he enjoyed CSPM from his first visit. His interests in the 19th and 20th centuries, American Indians, homesteaders, soldiers and self-made business leaders are well aligned with the stories told in the exhibits at CSPM. “I have always loved history and hoped that I could pass on to someone else...the same feeling and ignite in them a passion,” Bob explained. Although Bob had initial reservations about working with school children, he has succeeded in connecting with the students. He recalled, “It was in Cultural Crossroads that I found that the children did listen closely and the craft activity was something that they loved to do.” Through stories and activities, Bob was able to teach students about how American Indians provided for their basic needs through natural resources and trade. Bob went on, “[The students’] enthusiasm was the reward for me. I have been a docent in two other museums in California, but I have not felt as much satisfaction as here.” Bob has worked in many areas in the museum, but his favorite story is that of Fannie Mae Duncan and the Cotton Club. He explained that her story “gives inspiration to me that the country will evolve to get closer to the ‘all men are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights’ standard cited by Thomas Jefferson. That this one woman created, in the time of segregation, a place where all people could come and enjoy music and convinced a law enforcement official to not stop her is a most hopeful sign to me.” When not volunteering at CSPM, Bob enjoys his time with his wife of 43 years. They are both retired and love giving back to their community, “Helping those who need our help is our only work.” Bob also has two sons, one who followed in his footsteps and serves in the Army, and one who is currently studying computers and cyber security. For fun, Bob loves to travel, shoot rifles and pistols, and fly-fish. He is also learning photography and loves to read about history. MUSELETTER FEBRUARY 2018| PG 8
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