Pennsylvania is filled with history, and history is filled with stories. But in order to be inspired, guided by and connected to the past, we need people to keep those stories alive and share them with their neighbors and communities. These six Window Keepers are doing exactly that. Whether preserving African American history in Gettysburg, documenting the legacy of the Conestoga Susquehannock people, interpreting World War II history or helping residents see the value of the places they call home, these Window Keepers are ensuring Pennsylvania’s history remains a living part of community life. Their work reminds us that when we understand the people and events that shaped our community, we gain a deeper appreciation for our role in its future.
Over the coming weeks we’ll continue to share stories of these Pennsylvanians nominated by members of their communities for doing the everyday work of strengthening civic life using tools of the humanities such as storytelling and history. We are so excited to introduce these inspirational Window Keepers to you and others across the state as we continue to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Daniel Cocks (Connellsville, Fayette County)
Daniel Cocks is a public historian and interpreter who connects individual acts of service to broader civic life by sharing the stories of the 800 local volunteers who served over 600,000 troops during World War II through his work at the Connellsville Canteen WWII Museum. His work is grounded in the humanities, using artifacts, narrative, and lived experience to help audiences understand their community and their role within it more clearly.
From his nomination: “Daniel’s interpretation encourages audiences to move beyond observation to reflection. They leave not only with knowledge, but with a deeper awareness of how communities function and how individuals contribute to the common good. He does not simply present history; he creates opportunities for connection, empathy, and civic understanding. In doing so, he helps people recognize that the story of their community is ongoing—and that they have a role in shaping what comes next.”
In Daniel’s words: “Being recognized as a Window Keeper is both a tremendous honor and a humbling responsibility. I see it as recognition not only of my work, but of the countless volunteers, community partners, educators, historians, artists, and citizens who have worked beside me to preserve and celebrate our shared heritage. History belongs to everyone. Every generation has the responsibility to protect it, interpret it, and pass it forward. I hope this recognition encourages others to look around their own communities, ask questions, preserve family stories, support local museums and historical societies, and become Window Keepers themselves.”
Jean Howard Green (Gettysburg, Adams County)
Jean Howard Green has dedicated decades to uncovering, preserving and sharing the African American history of Gettysburg through research, writing, public speaking and community engagement. As president of the Lincoln Cemetery Project Association, she leads efforts to restore and preserve Gettysburg’s only surviving Black cemetery, identify its unmarked graves and ensure the stories of the more than 450 people buried there are remembered. Her commitment to preserving local history extends throughout the community, from her leadership with Gettysburg History and work as a church historian to her current efforts to support the preservation of the Jack and Julia Hopkins House.
From her nomination: “Jean H. Green’s decades of scholarship, community leadership, and grassroots advocacy have made her one of the most important voices in preserving the full, unvarnished story of her hometown.”
In Jean’s words: “Today, being recognized by The Window Keeper is an honor that humbles me deeply. It tells me that the hard work, the research, the storytelling, and the commitment to lifting up this history have not gone unnoticed. What I set out to do — to bring forth another side of Gettysburg’s story, to honor our ancestors, and to ensure their contributions are remembered — was not done in vain.”
Alexandria Kaelin (Northern Cambria, Cambria County)
Alexandria Kaelin has served as the curator of the Cambria County Historical Society for nearly a decade, working to ensure that the stories, artifacts, and experiences that shaped Cambria County are preserved and shared in ways that remain meaningful and relevant to the public. Kaelin understands that history is more than dates and documents, and helps the community explore its collective memory as well as personal history by sharing her expertise on genealogy and local history.
From her nomination: “What makes her especially deserving of this recognition is her ability to make history feel relevant, welcoming, and alive. She creates opportunities for curiosity, reflection, and connection while helping preserve the cultural memory of Cambria County for future generations.”
In Alexandria’s words: “It is nice to know that I get to do what I love and that the effort is recognized by a community I love. Preserving history in our small corner of the world is so incredibly important. History isn’t just kings, Egyptian pyramids, and the Aztecs we learn about in grade school. It’s also coal miners, community churches, and the ground under our feet. Younger generations feel a disconnect from history because they think it is in some far away land and has nothing to do with them – but it isn’t. If we continue to make history fun, accessible, and relatable for future generations I see a future filled with passionate historians.”
Mindy Crawford (Hanover, York County)
For more than twenty years, Mindy Crawford has helped Pennsylvanians see their communities more clearly through history, storytelling, preservation, and education. As Executive Director of Preservation Pennsylvania, she works with residents, local organizations, municipal leaders, and community advocates across the Commonwealth to uncover, interpret, and share the stories embedded in historic places. Her impact extends beyond preservation advocacy. Throughout her career, Mindy has taught historic preservation, history, architecture at Goucher College, Pennsylvania State University and York College of Pennsylvania. Through her teaching, she has helped prepare future preservation professionals while encouraging students to think critically about the relationship between people, places, and civic life.
From her nomination: “Whether helping a community rally around a threatened landmark, mentoring emerging preservation leaders, teaching graduate students, or sharing Pennsylvania’s stories through writing and public presentations, Mindy creates opportunities for people to connect with one another and with the places they call home. She helps communities recognize the value of their own stories and demonstrates how understanding the past can inspire action in the present.”
In Mindy’s words: “I hope this recognition reinforces the idea that history does not preserve itself. It survives because people choose to notice it, value it, speak for it, and care for the places where it happened. I also hope it encourages others to understand that they do not need to be professional historians or preservationists to make a difference. Every person who shares a story, protects a building, researches a community, or advocates for a threatened place helps keep that window open for the generations who will follow.”
Michael Mantooth (Lancaster, Lancaster County)
Michael Mantooth has dedicated himself to recovering and preserving the Conestoga Susquehannock tribe’s history, language and cultural traditions while strengthening its place in the civic life of Lancaster County. As a tribal historian, he has uncovered long-forgotten documents that affirm his people’s history, preserved their language through elder interviews, and built relationships that have led to significant public recognition of the tribe and its enduring presence in Pennsylvania. Through teaching, mentorship and community engagement, Mantooth uses history and cultural traditions to strengthen his community, bring people together and ensure their stories are carried forward.
From his nomination: “Michael has spent hours in the National Archives and presidential libraries, digging up our history. He tracked down a long-forgotten letter our ancestors wrote to President Grant and an 1872 joint resolution meant to recognize our tribe and return our land. Bringing these documents to light has completely shifted how our people see themselves and how the public sees us, proving that our identity is documented over time and undeniable. He uses our documented heritage not to divide, but to heal, bringing neighbors together.”
In Michael’s words: “This recognition really belongs to our ancestors, who held our people together against all odds. … Our ancestors never stopped fighting for the next generation and their bravery and resilience inspires me every day. They wrote to President Grant, filed land claims, introduced both federal and state-level legislation to return our land, and maintained our presence in vital records, newspapers, and censuses for over 175 years, even when it was extremely dangerous and costly to do so. As the acting tribal historian, it’s my responsibility to follow the breadcrumbs our ancestors took great pains to leave behind. Even if I never live to see our sovereignty restored in my lifetime, being a Window Keeper means making sure the trail doesn’t end with me— I document everything I can so those who come next can continue to carry our truth forward.”
Shirley Sharp (Punxsatawney, Jefferson County)
For decades, Shirley Sharp has dedicated herself to preserving and sharing the stories of Punxsutawney and the people who have shaped the community. Through her work with the Punxsutawney Historical & Genealogical Society and other civic organizations, she researches and catalogs local history, helps others explore their connections to the past and advocates for greater understanding of the community’s heritage. A tireless volunteer, mentor and community advocate, Sharp works to ensure that Punxsutawney’s stories and institutions remain strong and continue to connect and inspire future generations.
From her nomination: “She is active, engaged, and contributes to the mission and focus of the historical society and those other organizations she is a part of. She is therefore integral to the preservation of the history of our community and region as well as the vitality of our community’s past, present, and future.”
In Shirley’s words: “At the Society we have young visitors who do not live in traditional family settings. We use a ‘family circle’ instead of a ‘family tree’ to chart their relationships with the people in their home. This empowers them to interview the members of their household to learn about them and how they are connected. This activity has encouraged conversations leading to an appreciation of each member in the circle and their shared history. History is a constantly evolving record of humanity. Each generation builds upon the experiences of prior generations. To do so they must be able to look through the window to learn about the past or through the window to see the future.”
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