Bedford Historical Society

Archives: Museum Personnel

  • John Coyne

  • Laura O’Neill

    Laura O’Neill

    Laura’s ties to Bedford go back to her grandparents, who all lived in Bedford.  Her Mom and Dad were both born in Bedford homes and lived in the city their entire lives.  Laura graduated from Bedford High School and went on to complete her undergraduate degree in Marketing and MBA in Finance from Cleveland State University.  Laura retired in 2020 after 23 years working in her own business managing non-profit associations.  In her spare time, Laura enjoys her grandchildren and loves visiting National Parks.

    “We are fortunate to live near the Bedford Reservation, one of two reservations of which Brecksville is the second, that fall within the boundaries of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the only national park in Ohio.”

  • Richard “Rick” Backo

    Richard “Rick” Backo

    Rick was born in Cleveland in 1959 but moved to Bedford when he was three.  A 1977 graduate of Bedford High School, Rick went on to Edinboro State College in Pennsylvania where he received his bachelor’s in fine arts in Drawing and Painting in 1981.  He returned to Bedford where he married Christine in 1984 and they raised their three children.  Rick worked for the City of Bedford in the Recreation Department, retiring in 2016.  His dear wife Christine passed away in 2020, but Rick remains in Bedford on South Circle where the beauty of the Bedford Metroparks surrounds him.  He is currently an active volunteer at the museum and keeps up with his artwork doing watercolors and acrylics of many subjects including Bedford, nature and recently portraits of people’s pets.  Rick’s artwork can be seen on the intersections of Columbus, Warrensville and Broadway, having been selected by the city to beautify utility boxes.

    “After college, my many visits to the Bedford Museum and frequent talks with Dick Squire piqued my interest in the rich history of this town.  I started including the history in my artwork, doing several “historical recreations” from old photos of Bedford landmarks that no longer exist.  I have been very fortunate to have been raised in Bedford where the beauty of the Bedford Reservation, the city’s history and the people have been such a major influence on my life and my art.”

  • Richard Spitalsky

    Richard Spitalsky

    Richard Spitalsky comes from a long line of Bedford residents.  He was born in Bedford Hospital and grew up exploring the Bedford Reservation, where his love for nature first took root. He is a passionate photographer, historian and creative writer who finds endless inspiration in the landscapes and stories of his hometown. He is also an active member of a local band, performing throughout Cleveland and with his wife, Ashley. 

    “My grandfather’s stories of coming to Bedford to ride horses in the late 1930’s and dancing with my grandmother at the Glens in the 40’s give me a very personal feel for the history of Bedford.”

  • Kelly Denk

    Kelly Denk

    Kelly grew up in Bedford and did all things Bedford; learned to swim at the Bedford Pool, lifeguarded several summers there, took dance at Lauray’s Studio of Dance, graduated from Lumen Cordium High School, bought her first car on The Bedford Auto mile and worshipped at St Mary’s parish (still do!).

    “To me, Bedford is and will always be home.  It’s childhood and memories; it’s my parents and my lifelong friends.  It’s comfort and solidity.  No matter where I go, Bedford is Central (like my grade school!)”

  • Marilyn Berry

    Marilyn Berry

    Marilyn’s great-grandmother was born in Bedford in 1884 but it wasn’t until her maternal grandparents moved here from Cleveland that they became true residents.  Born and raised in Bedford, Marilyn graduated from Lumen Cordium High School in 1985 and is proud to have been part of building APEC Engineering along with her husband and two sons, in their family-owned business in the old YMCA on Northfield Road. 

    “For me Bedford has always been about relationships.  I still see people from my days at the pool, working at the playgrounds, student teaching at the high school, coaching little league, hanging out at DePompei’s, and now working alongside friends, old and new, at the Bedford Historical Society to write the next chapter in Bedford’s history.”

  • Patrick Barham

    Patrick Barham

    Patrick Barham moved to Ohio in 2017 and has called Bedford home since 2020. Originally from Missouri, Patrick works as a consultant. He and his wife, Lisa, are the proud parents of Gabby, Jayden, and their baby daughter, Jasmine. They derive great pleasure from residing adjacent to Taft Park and exploring the historic charm of downtown Bedford.

  • Jim Harding

    Jim was an attorney in Bedford for 44 years until retiring in 2018. He has been involved with the Bedford Historical Society since the 1970s, following in the footsteps of his mentor, the late Judge Ralph Bell, who was one of the original founders, along with Dick Squire. He has served as a member of the Board of Trustees for over 30 years and acts as unofficial legal counsel for the Society. An avid traveler, Jim explores the world to observe how other societies live in their own communities. 

    “The Bedford Historical Society is an important part of the Bedford community, showing how our local society has evolved, and where we come from. One can’t appreciate where we are or what we have, without knowing how we got here. I am excited that we are embracing the digital age and putting the Museum’s content and exhibits online, for virtual visits from anywhere. This expands our reach and lets everyone know the wealth of information and history that we have to offer.”

  • Brian Migchelbrink

    Brian Migchelbrink

    Brian is a third generation “Bedford-ite”, born in Bedford Hospital in 1963. After growing up in Maple Heights and graduating from Maple Heights High School, he started his own business in 1985 which is still going strong. An avid local history researcher, with a shameful collection of antique postcards, maps, and local literature, Brian resides in a cozy wooded lot in Bedford overlooking Hemlock Creek with his wife Sharon. Hobbies include fishing, hiking, and foraging wild mushrooms in the woodlands of Bedford. 

  • Terry Blair

    Terry Blair

    “Bedford is an historic town and what better way to learn the history of the community than by joining the Bedford Historical Society!”

    Terry serves as the Treasurer of the Historical Society.