Kean University Medallion Society Member Cindy Mendelson ’90 Named Volunteer of the Year

September 2024

Cindy Mendelson ’90, a member of the Kean University Medallion Society, was recognized as a “Volunteer of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission earlier this year for her long-term service as a volunteer docent at the Conrad Weiser Homestead in Pennsylvania.

Located in Womelsdorf, Berks County, the Conrad Weiser Homestead is a state historic site dedicated to preserving the legacy of Conrad Weiser. An influential figure in 18th-century Pennsylvania, Weiser was a German immigrant who became a crucial interpreter for Native American relations and played a pivotal role in shaping the colony’s Indian policy. He was instrumental in the development of Pennsylvania during the colonial era.

Mendelson was one of 20 volunteers across the state recognized at the annual Volunteer of the Year ceremony for their contributions of time, talent and expertise in 2023. The event was held at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg in April.

After retiring from public education, Cindy Mendelson and her late husband, Sam, relocated to the Womelsdorf area. Impressed by a Charter Day program she attended at the Conrad Weiser Homestead in 2009, Cindy was inspired to become one of the Homestead’s first volunteers, training to serve as a docent.

When she isn’t leading public tours, Mendelson works closely with new volunteers, training them on the responsibilities of a docent and sharing the rich history of the site. She also manages the scheduling of docents to ensure guided tours run smoothly. A retired teacher and self-described history buff, Mendelson takes great pride in sharing her growing knowledge of Conrad Weiser with visitors from across the country.

Mendelson was also recognized by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission as a driving force behind the “Sense of History” day at the Homestead, where living historians use the human senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste to tell the Weiser story.

In addition to serving as a docent, Cindy Mendelson is a dedicated Board member of the Friends of The Conrad Weiser Homestead. Her passion for education is evident in her critical role in developing the Homestead’s educational video, which is featured in the visitor center.

Looking forward, Mendelson is eager to encourage greater Native American participation at the Homestead, recognizing their vital role in Conrad Weiser’s story.

Learn more about the Conrad Weiser Homestead at www.conradweiserhomestead.org.

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May 2021

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Kean University Medallion Society Member Cindy Mendelson ’90 Named Volunteer of the Year

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