herschell carrousel factory museum staff
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IAn K. Seppala (He/Him)
Executive Director

​Ian began volunteering at the museum in 2015 and has had various roles. He became the Education Director starting in October 2018. In November 2020 Ian became the Interim Director of the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. He was announced as the Executive Director permanently in July 2021.
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Seppala obtained a M.A. Degree in Museum Studies from Morgan State University. His previous experience includes the Historic Ships in Baltimore and the Rochester Museum and Science Center. He is an inagrual participant in Arts Services Initiative's Molding Executives and Directors As Leaders (MEDAL) Program (2023). His goals for the year include increasing the wide array of programs for the community, and supporting an inviting atmosphere at the museum.

[email protected]

Shirley Burgess (She/HeR)
​Office and events manager

​Shirley began working at the museum in 2008. She organizes all of the events that happen at the museum include Spooktacular, Santa on the Carrousel, and birthday parties.
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When not at the museum Shirley likes to spend time with her grandchildren, go on motorcycle rides with her husband, and cheer on the Buffalo Bills!

[email protected]

Marissa Seib(She/Her)
​Education coordinator

​Marissa has been with the museum in various capacities since her education internship in Fall 2019. She served as the gift shop manager for a year, then served as the outreach coordinator, and in November 2021 she became the education coordinator. Marissa received her BA in History from Niagara University and her MA in History from Buff State. In her free time Marissa likes to hang out with her pug mix, Annie. 

[email protected]

George Sneeden (He/Him)
​custodian

George joined the HCFM staff in March 2021. When not at the museum he works at the Sweeney Hose Company in North Tonawanda. You might know him as the driver of the antique firetruck. 

DArren Poltorak (He/Him)
Gift shop manager

​Darren began working for the museum in 2022. He is the kind face that will greet you at the museum most days. He received his PhD in anthropology at SUNY Buffalo and spends most of his free time playing board games.

[email protected]