WAYNESBORO – Ashley Sonntag-Bottomley has been named executive director/CEO of Renfrew Museum and Park effective Jan. 6. Sonntag-Bottomley is filling the role previously held by Rebecca LaBarre who has accepted a position at Greenfield Village, at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Dearborn, Michigan.
Sonntag-Bottomley holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and Civil War Era Studies from Gettysburg College and comes to Renfrew from Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation in Middletown, Virginia, where she has been the operations manager and museum curator for the past four years. Prior to that, she was curator and collections manager at the Lomas Center in Gettysburg.
Sonntag-Bottomley also brings with her extensive experience as a historical interpreter specializing in interactive, hands-on programs as a member of various national organizations dedicated to teaching history through demonstrations, lectures, presentations and workshops. Additionally, she serves on several boards dedicated to education and historic preservation missions.
The new director/CEO’s enthusiasm, versatility, creativity and passion for museum and historical preservation provide her with a sound foundation to lead Renfrew Museum and Park into its 50th anniversary, providing engaging educational exhibits, programs and events displaying early American living for the benefit of families, the public and cultivating inspiration for future generations, Renfrew officials noted.
