MUSEUM SPOTLIGHT! RENATE KENNEDY This month, CSPM recognizes the efforts of volunteer Renate Kennedy. Renate has been volunteering at the museum for more than five years. She loves the beauty of the museum and enjoys working with the museum staff. As a front desk volunteer, Renate plays an important role in ensuring every guest has a positive experience at the museum. After greeting each visitor, Renate enjoys talking with them and learning their stories. Renate’s love of working with visitors serves her well when she volunteers to assist with special events. “We are so appreciative of Renate’s warm and generous spirit. She is such an asset to the museum.” When reflecting on Renate’s contributions to the museum, Jim Wahl Security Supervisor shared “We are so appreciative of Renate’s warm and generous spirit. She is such an asset to the museum.” A great example of Renate’s service is the extra time she puts into helping us prepare for school programs. Each time she volunteers she prepares hundreds of small bags with pipe cleaners and plastic beads for the students’ craft project. One of Renate’s favorite memories at the museum involves a recent guest interaction. “A young boy came in with his family. They had been here many times before,” she began. “He did not want to go to the Children’s Gallery, and he was carrying what looked to be a super soaker. I asked if he wanted me to hold it for him while his family toured the museum, but he said no, he was a ghost buster and needed it to help us find one. When I saw him later in the morning, he excitedly said he had captured two ghosts.” Renate’s interest in the history of the Pikes Peak region began years ago, when she taught fourth grade. Although the fourth grade curriculum includes Colorado history, Renate still learns new stories at the museum. “I did not know the story of the Ludlow Massacre until the exhibit went up here,” she said. “My husband and I then did a road trip down to the site. I found it strangely and eerily moving.” Renate and her husband have lived in Colorado Springs for 43 years. They have one son, Sean, who lives in Minnesota with his husband, Alex. They all love to travel and travel often. In her free time, Renata enjoys reading, taking walks, spending time with friends and coloring. MUSELETTER MARCH 2018| PG 8
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