I N D I A N A S TAT E M U S E U M A N D H I S T O R I C S I T E S
CROSSROADS EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER MARCH 2021
2005
By Renee Bruck The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites lost its longest-serving employee when Ron Richards, senior 1988 research curator of paleobiology, passed away March 26. We also lost a dear friend, mentor, advocate and teacher. Ron’s work with the museum began as a volunteer trying to organize the natural history collections in 1979, and he became a full-time staff member in 1981 as an exhibits preparator. Throughout the years, Ron’s roles and titles within the museum system changed as he took on new projects and responsibilities, but one thing always remained unchanged – his ambition to discover more about animals that lived during Indiana’s Ice Age and share that knowledge with others. Ron took the time to listen to any questions that came his way, answered with enthusiasm, and usually spent another 20 minutes to give the questioner a little extra knowledge, Damon Lowe, senior curator of science and technology, said.
“It didn’t matter who you were,” Damon said. “He wanted to either be learning himself, or he wanted to be explaining what he knew.” Usually, more times than not, Ron would spend some time afterward worrying if he’d sufficiently answered someone’s question – or whether they needed to know something else to fully understand. “He was always there to help people,” Damon said. “He knew everybody, and everybody liked him.”
to commit to join in on a dig – for at least a day. Then, he’d usually try to get them hooked. It didn’t matter whether someone was in his department or even had experience. Ron would find something for every volunteer to do on those quests for peccary and other bones – or “pig digs” – whether that was helping with mapping or screening or something else altogether. “He truly made it an institutional effort. He would figure out what your skill set was,” Damon said. “All because of Ron’s sheer force of personality.” Jay Dishman, site manager of Whitewater Canal State Historic Site, remembers going on some of the earliest “pig digs” with Ron.
Megenity, 1987
But, Damon says, there was usually an ulterior motive to Ron’s helpful personality. At some point in the conversation, Ron would almost always bring up Megenity Cave, located in the Patoka Lake area of Crawford County, and try to get someone
During the third or fourth dig at Megenity, the crew wasn’t finding much – not even bone fragments – in the buckets of dirt they were bringing out of the ground, Jay said. During a lunch break to a convenience store, Ron and Jay noticed a toy that included small farm animals that were less than an inch tall and decided to purchase them. continued on next page
To add a little excitement to the day, they added the small toys to a few buckets of dirt. Although neither heard the initial reactions when the screeners found the toys, everyone had a good laugh about the prank later.
1988
Brian Johnson, the museum system’s lead scenic fabricator, remembers meeting Ron for the first time. It was Ron’s comforting presence that led Brian to volunteer at the museum. For more than a year, he worked sorting Megenity Cave fossils under a microscope while learning from Ron and volunteer Gerhard Gennrich. It didn’t take long for Ron to convince Brian to go along on the Megenity digs, and both would share lodging in Jasper on several occasions. The first time the two shared a room was a bit peculiar, though. Ron would randomly blurt out a loud duck call throughout the night. Brian wondered how he was ever going to get enough sleep for the dig the next day if Ron kept it up.
Brian’s snoring for a time. Of course, there’s more to Ron’s legacy than the Megenity Cave digs. He was always trying to learn more for scientific studies or to advance the collection in some way. He was responsible for helping to organize the collections at the Workingmen’s Institute in New Harmony, and he participated in at least 14 mastodon digs throughout his career. Damon recalled a trip to Wolf Park in Battle Ground. Wolf Park staff had called and asked if the museum had any use for a bison carcass. Ron was interested in studying the wolves’ gnaw marks on the bison bones for comparison to marks on cave discoveries, so Damon, Gerhard and Ron loaded up the truck and made the trip. Although Damon described the carcass that awaited them as the most miserable thing ever, Ron was in his element, always ready to study and learn as much as he could.
“Traveling with Ron was always the most bizarre – yet interesting – thing,” Damon said. Michele Greenan, director of archaeology, remembered some of the trips to the Workingmen’s Institute in New Harmony, another one of Ron’s longterm projects. Ron and others had spent almost two decades helping to identify and catalog the specimen in the institute’s collection that had been gathered by the amazing thinkers, explorers and scientists who lived there since the 1800s. While at the Workingmen’s Institute, Ron liked to work in the facility at night. She said he was a night owl and liked to become immersed in the institute while considering what it would have been like to work alongside scientist Thomas Say, who studied insects and shells in the 1800s.
The next morning, Brian learned his snoring had kept his roommate awake. Ron – ever resourceful – had found that a forceful duck call always seemed to stop
Ron also did something similar during trips to Megenity Cave. He liked to turn off lights, be enveloped by the darkness in the cave, and imagine what it would have been like centuries ago.
“He really liked to create those spaces,” Michele said. His mindfulness most likely came from a longtime love of martial arts. Ron had joined a group or taken a class during his college years and never stopped. He was a sixth-degree black belt.
As compartmentalized as Ron kept his life, martial arts was in everything he did in some way. “He infused a lot of what he did from martial arts into his work,” she said, noting he would often talk about the technique needed to complete a task. Liz Scott noted Ron also held a strong belief in honoring his elders. The natural history and archaeology preparator plans to honor Ron by continuing her work to protect and develop the collections and continue the research at the institution he held so dear for so many years. “Even after more than 40 years of service, his legacy will continue to inspire us, and he will continue to live in our hearts,” Liz said.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: CURT BURNETTE Curt Burnette is the naturalist and program developer at Limberlost State Historic Site. He began working for the museum system in January, 2012. His duties include helping to manage daily operations of the state historic site and providing tours of the Limberlost Cabin; answering questions about the Limberlost Conservation Area Nature Preserves for hikers and birders; developing programs for schools, public events and festivals; and speaking engagements and rent-a-naturalist opportunities. Curt lives just outside Geneva in Adams County. WHAT'S YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION? WHY? My favorite book is “Cannery Row” by John Steinbeck, and I own a first edition that I have read many times. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? From Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: “The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.” This is very true of nature, so on a nature hike I try to point out these unobserved obvious things to people.
WHAT'S THE MOST MEMORABLE PLACE YOU HAVE EVER VISITED? I spent two weeks traveling around Zimbabwe, Africa. WHAT'S THE CAREER HIGHLIGHT YOU'RE MOST PROUD OF? I had the opportunity to work three times with one of my childhood heroes, Jim Fowler of the TV show “Wild Kingdom.” These occurred once when he went on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” in Burbank, California, and twice when he was on the “Today” show in New York City.
WHAT'S THE SCARIEST THING YOU'VE EVER DONE, AND WHY DID YOU DO IT? At the request of the New Orleans police department, I once crawled under a house on my belly and, using my snake hook, dragged out a 5-foot and a 4-foot rattlesnake.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: RACHEL McFADDEN Rachel McFadden is the education program coordinator at the Indiana State Museum. She began working for the museum in October, 2020. Rachel’s duties include building relationships with out-of-school-time program partners, developing custom programming and running those programs. She also leads regular school programs and camps as needed. Rachel lives in downtown Indianapolis with her cat, Gwen. WHAT'S THE BEST GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED? My first college boyfriend gave me my very own practice flag. I was in color guard in high school, and college didn’t have a marching band, so I was missing twirling. He was a band geek too, so he understood. I still have it! I have used it maybe three times, but I always intend to use it more. WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BEST FIND? My most recent best find is Paco’s Taqueria. There are two locations, so it’s convenient for more people! I have never had anything bad from this place. I especially recommend the carnitas tacos, but even my vegetarian friends can find good food here. I’m making myself hungry just talking about it. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPRESSIVE THING YOU KNOW HOW TO DO? I can sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” but starting on the second word.
WHAT BOOK IMPACTED YOU THE MOST? In terms of which literature has invaded other parts of my life the most, I would say that the Harry Potter series has to be it. I have sewn my own Hogwarts robes, attended most of the midnight movie premieres, won a costume contest dressed as Sybill Trelawney, had books sent to me while I was a summer camp counselor, bought book 7 in an airport in Guatemala on my way back to Indianapolis, coauthored an excellent choose-your-own-adventure (which I digitized during quarantine) based on a fan musical, visited the theme park, am much more invested in being a Hufflepuff than my Myers-Briggs type, and listen to the Jim Dale audiobooks at least once a year. I’m currently in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. I promise that I have other, more sophisticated authors I would love to talk to you about (Jasper Fforde! Laura Esquivel! China Mieville!), but in terms of sheer life impact, it’s got to be Harry Potter
all the way. (Note: I do not agree with the author’s stance on trans people. Trans rights are human rights.) WHERE IS THE FARTHEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN FROM HOME? WHY DID YOU TRAVEL THERE? I went to Indonesia on a family vacation about four years ago. My parents both spent time in Indonesia in their youth. My dad’s dad was a medical missionary for a couple years when he was in elementary school, and my mom’s dad was a regular missionary throughout her middle and high school years. Indonesia has always had a presence in my life through the batiks and art we had stashed everywhere to the family gatherings for nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) and satay (seasoned, skewered and grilled meat) to the way my parents would use Indonesian as a secret language when we were out in public. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and if you ever want to see too many pictures of it, I am happy to oblige.
HOW HAS COVID POSITIVELY IMPACTED YOUR DAILY ROUTINE? Uggg. Not sure if it has had a positive impact. But to put a positive spin on it, I guess there isn't as much traffic in the mornings. And I have to pick up my kiddo from daycare earlier, so I get to spend more time with her. Adam DeKemper
I've been reminded not to take anything for granted. You never know what tomorrow will bring. Julie Schaefer Now that we do timed tours at the Levi Coffin Site it does make the day more predictable. Joanna Hahn Made me get out and be more active! Really appreciate the time I have in the fresh air. Megan Wagoner Once COVID hit, my then-boyfriend, Mark, and I hunkered down in quarantine together. Not only did that allow us to support each other on a daily basis, it served as a great test of doing life together. We are now getting married! Swati Gunale Being more efficient with the time I have with people to get things done. Traci Cromwell
I appreciate more how connected we all are. I saved money not buying Starbucks coffee like it's going out of style. Stephanie West I definitely do a better job washing my hands, and I touch far fewer public surfaces. I haven't gotten any colds or flu this season, which is almost a first! Rachel McFadden I do not regularly eat out, so great for the waist!! Melissa Bowlby
It definitely taught me how to be more independent and organized since we cannot always be with coworkers. I feel my critical thinking became more fluid because I had to find alternate ways to perform my daily tasks yet still maintain operations as normal. Greg Bryson I can't believe I let so many people breathe on me before. I'm ok keeping the six-foot rule. LOL. Marcy Dodson I am taking much more care in making sure to stay clean! I also noticed that I haven't gotten sick since the onset of mask mandates - that's pretty amazing. Hazel Theriault
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU PRIORITIZE NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T A YEAR AGO? At first, I didn't think COVID was going to be so bad, but as time went on and tragedy struck family, friends, and loved ones, I felt a stronger need to stay in touch with them and help in any way that I could. Greg Bryson Being as positive as possible. It's not always easy, but I definitely use positivity as a primary focus. Anitra Helton The meaning of family - prioritize your family and/or the people that matter most to you. Anna Delph Seeing people! Because of cancelled programming I was able to visit with COVIDcautious friends more and I realized that's something I don't want to change when we get back to "normal," so I will definitely be prioritizing my vacation time more. Elizabeth Bostelman A good home-cooked meal. Marcy Dodson
Walks Peggy Fisherkeller Personal space. Cate Whetzel Family. It has been hard not getting to see/ touch family members. Melissa Bowlby Phone calls. At some point I declared 2020 "the year of the phone call" and I've tried to make a point to call people more than just text them. Some people like it, some don't! Eric Todd
Aside from cleaning, finding time to talk with people. I make sure to text/call people more. I even have a group of friends to play games with virtually. Being an introvert, I never took too much time to reach out to others, but not being able to see or hang out with friends is sad and can get lonely. Not to mention it's good to check in on others to make sure they're doing all right physically and mentally! Rebeccah Swanson Outdoor spaces!! I've always kind of tolerated being outside, but now I'm willing to overlook a lot of things (chilly temperatures, angry squirrels, bugs) to be outside with other people. Meghan Smith I've figured out how to incorporate more exercise into my daily routine. I've also taken advantage of online church services to watch my two brothers and two nephews (all ministers) conduct services on Facebook. Amy Ahlersmeyer
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’VE LEARNED THIS PAST YEAR THAT YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW? We can accomplish great things if we come together. Stephanie West Take each day at a time. Don't get caught up in looking into the past or the future. Be thankful for what you have and try and live in the moment/day. Adam DeKemper Something I hope we've ALL learned: stay home when you're sick. Our collective health is more important than your physical presence at work. Meghan Smith I've learned to be more empathetic and more intentional in my relationships with others. I don't want to make COVID out to be a good thing by any stretch, but through our collective trauma, we learn. Hazel Theriault I am a HUGE extrovert and quarantine is killing me! Traci Cromwell Donating your stimulus check to someone in need makes you feel like superwoman! Anonymous
I wrote a lot more notes and cards to friends/family - actual pen and paper (not electronic) - and it was amazing how much they were appreciated. Amy Ahlersmeyer Just take a step back and assess what REALLY matters in any situation. I think in our busy lives we often have things we think will be disasters if they don't happen. This last year has proven that is not the case. Basically, give yourself grace to be "lazy." Elizabeth Bostelman I've learned a lot from my children about how to take things in stride and not let changes to my routine affect me. When you do things differently, you find new things you enjoy. Eric Todd
IN MEMORIAM
This is my granny, Betty Lampkins, always the life of the party. One of the most beautiful souls to walk the earth, she always made me feel seen. We miss her dearly. Anitra Helton
Focus on the things that matter. There are so many things that I focused on as a college student living on campus that no longer have a prevalence in my life due to COVID-19. By observation of how COVID-19 has impacted others, I have noticed that there are so many parts of life that we take for granted or base our self-worth on, such as job titles and social media popularity. COVID-19 has taught me that one day someone can be on top of the world, and the next day their world can come crumbling down. I've learned to focus on myself, how I can help others, and how I can find selfproduced, internal joy. Anna Delph They will always restock toilet paper, but not your favorite tea, or the ideal birthday/ Christmas present, so buy it when you see it! Cate Whetzel The Juicyfruit jingle can be used as a handwashing timer. But it will be stuck in your head for at least 30 minutes if you use it. Rachel McFadden Not to take for granted the time you can be spending with loved ones. Joanna Hahn Respect those around you. This is especially important during this pandemic. I've seen so many people who don't respect others' well-being. This is unfortunate to say, but it's true. So many people don't wear masks, wear them incorrectly, and/or joke that the pandemic isn't a big deal. To those who DO wear a mask and respect those around them, thank you. Rebeccah Swanson
I would like to remember Juan. He was part of our housekeeping crew before the pandemic and, sadly, passed away due to COVID. Juan was a pure joy and the kindest soul. He always had a smile on his face and would take the time to greet you or wave while he worked hard doing his job. Rebeccah Swanson
SECURITY UPDATE LESSEN YOUR STRESS
HERE ARE SOME TIPS:
MEET THE TEAM
It’s been a challenging year to say the least, and stress has been at an all-time high. Everyone has or will experience some amount of stress in their life. To lessen the negative toll on your life and health, it’s best to minimize stress. The most stress-related issues are major life changes, stress within family, financial problems and your job. Early warning signs of stress are lack of sleep, headaches, upset stomach, short temper and low morale, which can result in more serious health problems.
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Manage your time effectively
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Eat healthier, well-balanced meals
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Exercise regularly
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Keep a positive attitude
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Get enough rest and sleep
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Meditate and practice yoga
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Seek professional help (psychologist or mental health professional)
Due to an error, one security team member wasn’t featured in last month’s newsletter, and we’d like this opportunity to introduce him. LUTHER LETT
Learn more about managing mental health or get support at bewellindiana.com.
Luther is 27 years old and originally from Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Southern Illinois University, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and minoring in forensics. Long-term goals for Luther are owning a boat and farm and building an awesome investment portfolio. Luther loves eating pizza, and he enjoys reading and exploring outdoors.
WELCOME ABOARD! COOPER DAVIS Security
DAVIS EUSER
APRIL ANNIVERSARIES JAY DISHMAN
Whitewater Canal
BRAD WINTERS
Facilities Maintenance
ERICA MONTGOMERY Facility Rentals ERIC TODD Visitor Services
KRYSTLE MANGAN Education JORDAN STAATS Experience
37 years
CATHY FERREE
Facilities Maintenance
Administration
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MATT WALLS Education
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BORDEN FLEETWOOD Security
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JEANNE AKINS Limberlost
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MELISSA VELASQUEZ Facility Rentals
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WESLEY JONES Facilities Maintenance
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STEPHANIE KAZMIERZAK Education
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Pinewood Derby looked a little different this year, but we were still able to welcome visitors as they raced their cars down our two-story track. The "Best in Show" competition went virtual with entries being submitted in youth and adult categories. You can view the winners here.
THE SRET TEAM NEEDS YOUR FEEDBACK We're hard at work planning safe, fun events for the rest of 2021, but we need to make sure you will participate in or enjoy these events. Please take a minute to answer four questions for us.
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