Bedford Historical Society

Role: Museum Staff

  • 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.”

  • Jack Dragga

    Jack Dragga

    Jack is a graduate of Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in art with an emphasis in Photography. He is also self-taught in Video Production where he has won 5 bronze Telly Awards for his work. A Bedford resident since the mid 1980’s, Jack decided to volunteer at the Bedford Historical Society after having retired. He brings with him his love of history. He has created many documentaries for The International Buster Keaton Society and is the author of Buster’s extensive filmography in the book “Buster Keaton: Cut to the Chase” by Marion Mead as well as helping with research for the BBC/PBS documentary “Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow.”. He became a volunteer in 2021 helping with research and updating exhibits and soon became the Curator in charge of creating new exhibits.

    “One thing I have learned doing research is that history isn’t always pretty and to ignore it or bury it is the same as saying it never happened.”

  • Betsy Lee

    Betsy Lee

    Betsy was born and raised on Palmetto Avenue in Bedford, where she now resides. Being the daughter of Dick Squire, founder of the museum, she was involved with the Museum from the beginning. A Bedford High School graduate, she raised two daughters and subsequently has 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. In 1980 she began working for the Bureau of Workers Compensation in Columbus and transferred to the Cleveland office allowing her to move back to Bedford. In September of 2004, she retired from Workers Compensation as a Claims Supervisor. She got involved in the Strawberry Festival, eventually becoming chair of the event. She became a Bedford Historical Society Trustee and became President of the Board. On July 1, 2022 she became Director.

    “My father’s passion has become mine.”