Staff
Administration
Executive Director
Peter Arnold
Contact: peter@yvmuseum.org
Graduated magna cum laude with a Law Degree from University of London. Emigrated to USA in 1987. Obtained a Masters in Museum Studies from University of Leicester in 2002. In 2001 appointed Executive Director of Old World Wisconsin. In 2007 appointed President of Genesee Country Village & Museum. Appointed Executive Director of Yakima Valley Museum in 2017. Under his leadership, in 2022 the museum was awarded re-accreditation by the Alliance of American Museums.
Director of Development
& Board Relations
Larissa Knopp
Contact: larissa@yvmuseum.org
Graduated with a PhD in Modern World History with an emphasis in American History from St. John’s University. Currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration. Larissa served for one year as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Arlington, WA, where she was introduced to Resource Development. She has experience in event planning, strategic planning, donor management, and annual giving campaigns. Larissa is excited to be part of the Yakima Valley community!
Collections
Chief Curator of
Collections and Archives
Mike Siebol
Contact: mike@yvmuseum.org
Graduated from Washington State University in Anthropology and History. Worked as an archaeologist in Southeastern Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, and in the lithics lab at WSU. Previously worked at the WSU Museum of Art, WSU Anthropology Museum, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, and the North Cascades National Park. Joined the Yakima Valley Museum in 2001. Mike has been a Director on the Washington Museum Association Board and on the Yakima Historic Preservation Commission.
Archivist
John Baule
Contact: john@yvmuseum.org
Graduated summa cum laude from the University of Dubuque, Iowa with a BA in mathematics and physics. He then obtained an MA in History Museum Studies from Cooperstown, University of New York. After working as Director of several historical societies, John joined the Yakima Valley Museum as its first professional Director in 1992 and served until his retirement in 2016. He was appointed Director Emeritus at that time and he still works part-time as the museum’s archivist. John oversaw a dramatic expansion of the museum during his tenure and was responsible for the museum being accredited by the Alliance of American Museums. He has received multiple honors and awards.
Exhibits
Curator of Exhibits
Heath Lambe
Contact: heath@yvmuseum.org
Acquired an Associate Arts Degree in Graphic Communications, with Honors from Collins College, Tempe, AZ. Graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts: Double Major: Sculpture & Video, cum laude from Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle, WA. A highly skilled fabricator with extensive knowledge of a wide variety of shop tools. Volunteer: Board Vice President Yakima Maker Space and Commission Member with Yakima Arts Commission.
Facilities
Building Supervisor
Bart Hollar
Contact: bart@yvmuseum.org
Love of country has been a thread running through Bart’s life. Born on an Air Force Base in Madrid Spain, Bart’s family moved back to the United States when he was just three years old. His family settled in Washington State where he has lived most of his life. Bart joined the United States Marines in 1983 as a mechanic. Those skills have stayed with him. He now enjoys building computers, playing golf, and working on his home which he shares with his wonderful wife.
Guest Services
Guest Services Manager
& Volunteer Coordinator
Kelly Girard
Kelly studied at the University of Oregon, focusing in Business Administration. She has over 15 years in customer service and enjoys being involved in the community. Her outgoing attitude will enhance the experience for all who come to the museum. She is excited to be a part of the Yakima Valley Museum team. In her spare time Kelly enjoys spending time with her dogs, going to the YMCA to swim and using watercolor to paint the surrounding landscapes of the Yakima Valley.
Contact: kelly@yvmuseum.org
Education
Curriculum & Educational
Tour Developer
Stanley Adamiak
Graduated with PhD in Military History from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. After teaching for over 25 years at the university level, Stan brings experience with not only history, but Teacher Education and Museum Studies programs to expand the museum’s offerings to local schools and the community.
Contact: stan@yvmuseum.org
