Bedford Historical Society

Archives: Museum Personnel

  • 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.”

  • Jamie Cole

    Jamie Cole

    For Jamie C. Cole, education has always been about building connections—connecting students with books, families with learning, and the community through opportunities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and pride. She has proudly served the Bedford City School District for 23 years. After spending 20 years teaching English Language Arts at Heskett Middle School, she now serves as the Coordinator of Literacy and Library Programming, where she oversees the district’s school libraries and creates meaningful literacy experiences for students and families. Jamie has also served the Bedford Branch Library for the past 15 years, continuing her commitment to fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning throughout the community. She is honored to serve on the Bedford Historical Society Board and looks forward to helping preserve Bedford’s rich history while inspiring future generations to appreciate the stories that have shaped the community. 

    “Being a Bearcat has never just been about where I work—it’s about THE PEOPLE. For 23 years I’ve had the privilege of learning alongside our students, partnering with our families, and serving a community that truly cares about one another. I believe literacy and history both tell the story of who we are. They connect generations, preserve traditions, and inspire pride.“

  • Peter Zimmerman

    Peter Zimmerman

    Peter is a descendant of the Day and Forbes families who moved to Bedford and neighboring communities in the late 1800s through his maternal grandmother, Elanor Day Gordon.  His maternal grandfather, John Chauncey Gordon graduated from Bedford High School in 1926, when housed in the original Central School building.  His mother (Linda) and Uncle (Peter) attended Central Elementary School – both went on to graduate from Bedford High School when housed in the Moody Junior High School building.  Peter graduated from Bedford High School in 1974.  Through a lifetime of experience, he has picnicked, hiked, biked, swam, and continues to golf all within the Bedford MetroParks.  He is a Professor of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University and has studied many aspects of malaria and other infectious diseases and their impact on human health for over 35 years.  Through this work he has traveled extensively to Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, India, Papua New Guinea and Madagascar.  He seeks to continue his appreciation and studies of natural history through his position as a Trustee of the Bedford Historical Society.    

  • Vacant

    Vacant

  • David Berry

    David Berry

    David Berry was born and raised in Bedford, graduating from Bedford High School before going on to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering from Cleveland State University. In 2020, he purchased the former Southeast YMCA and renovated it to become the home of APEC Engineering, the company he started in Bedford 13 years prior.

    “Bedford is my history.  My grandparents all lived here, and I was raised here as was my wife.  It is a blend of my heritage, my education, my children, my career and business. Bedford is every part of who I am, and because of that, I am committed to giving back to this community that is a large part of who I have become.” 

  • Deirdre Scully

  • Sarah Gnoddie

    Sarah Gnoddie

  • Lauri Schroeder

    Lauri Schroeder

    Lauri was born and raised on Logan Street where she still resides. She graduated from Bedford High School in 1974 and raised her family of four children.  As a drug and alcohol counselor, she treated court appointed patients through a Community Assessment Treatment program.  After caring for her mother, Lauri found herself looking for a new adventure.  She joined the Historical Society staff in 2020 and runs the museum shop selling Bedford merchandise such as books, prints and figurines as well as specialty jewelry and products made by local artisans. She also leads a merry band of amateur actors in the Spirit Walk where cemetery “residents” are reenacted yearly.

    “Bedford is my legacy. My family has been here since the late 1800’s when our Scottish ancestors settled in Bedford. It is interwoven in the fabric of my family and my soul.”

  • Paul Pojman

    Paul Pojman

    Paul has a BA in English from John Carroll University and an MLS from Kent State University.  He operated the library at St. Mary School in Bedford for thirty-one years.  He has worked as staff librarian at the Historical Society since 2005.  He also works part-time at the St. John Funeral Home and is involved with a many other community organizations.

    “Over the last twenty-five years, I’ve grown in my knowledge and appreciation of both local and national history.  I enjoy being an active member of the Bedford Historical Society.”

  • Stan Koci

    Stan Koci