The Museum lost two beloved members of our volunteer family this past year. We fondly remember Thomiana Davis and Larry Schaefer for their friendship and countless contributions to the CSPM.Â
Remembering Thomiana Davis
Thomiana “Tommi” Davis began volunteering for the CSPM in 1985 and retired from her role in the Museum Store in 2017. In addition to serving innumerable hours in the store, she led tours as a docent (she was the docent president in 1995-96), supported museum programs such as Hooray for History Day, and served as the Social/Recording Secretary for the Friend’s Board. During her over 30 years of service she was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year in 2004Â and was selected for the Lucky Herzberger Award in 2009. Tommi was a skilled seamstress and often shared her talents with the Museum. Just a few examples of her contributions include sewing logs for the play fire in the children’s exhibit, creating felt mice crafts for the Festival of Lights, and making a screen curtain for the Silent Film Soiree.Â
Thomiana Davis gave so much of herself to the CSPM over the years. She provided leadership on boards and committees, led countless schoolchildren through the galleries, sold merchandise in the store, sewed interactive items for hands-on exhibits, and provided goodies for events and programs. Her support and encouragement played a huge role in creating the museum we know today. She will be missed and warmly remembered by all.
Matt Mayberry, CSPM Director, presenting the Volunteer of the Year Award to Tommy in 2004.
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, 2016.
Tommi (middle) receiving the Lucy Herzberger Award in 2009 from Marge Westbay (left) and John Boddington (right).
Remembering Larry Schaefer
Larry Schaefer volunteered at the Museum from 2011 to 2020 and contributed over 700 hours of his time to the CSPM’s public program initiatives. Many of our staff first encountered Larry, and his infectious joy, when he worked in the City of Colorado Springs Parking Garage. Having always had a passion for museums, volunteering for the CSPM was a natural fit for him. Larry spent much of him time supporting family programs. He would help greet the thousands of guests at the Festival of Light Family Fun Day, run craft and activity stations, and provide interpretive programs at our Hands on History carts. Larry’s favorite station to volunteer at was called “City of Sunshine”. He was fascinated by the history of tuberculosis treatment in the Pikes Peak region and enjoyed sharing his knowledge.
When I remember Larry it brings a smile to my face. Every week Larry would volunteer in the City of Sunshine exhibit and we would have a great time exchanging stories. Larry was someone who loved to share his knowledge of the museum with guests from around the world. He was always in a great mood with such a positive attitude. It was impossible not to walk away with a smile on your face. Guests, staff and volunteers will always remember Larry with a smile!
Volunteer Appreciaton Breakfast, 2019.
Larry helping decorate the Museum for the holidays, 2012.
Larry teaching at a Hands on History cart, 2014.
Meg Poole, CSPM Program Coordinator
719.385.5631 | Meg.Poole@coloradosprings.gov