Volunteer Spotlight: Ron Mordosky
This 1741 Society Member and dedicated volunteer welcomes hundreds to the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts each year.
More than a quarter-century ago, Ron Mordosky was introduced to Historic Bethlehem when he accompanied his wife, Cathy, on a school field trip to Historic Burnside. What began as a simple visit soon led to a deeper connection with HBMS, where he has volunteered in a variety of roles for more than two decades.
Today, the Whitehall resident serves as the primary guide for the popular Behind-the-Scenes Dollhouse Tour at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts. He said he was captivated by the collection when he first encountered it.
“My first reaction was, ‘What a gem,’” Mordosky recalled. “We are very fortunate that Elizabeth
Johnston Prime thought enough of the Kemerer Museum to say, ‘Here, this is my path forward.’ Collecting dollhouses was her passion for more than 30 years, and when she passed away, she left them to us in her will.”
Mordosky, who is also a member of the 1741 Society, believes it is important to support HBMS because of the extraordinary collection of historic buildings and artifacts that require ongoing preservation. That commitment is why he chooses to both volunteer and donate to the organization each year. “If we don’t step up and start donating money and supporting conservation, it won’t be there for future generations,” he said. “And what a waste that would be.”
As a tour guide, Mordosky has been surprised by how far visitors travel to experience the dollhouse
collection. On one recent tour, guests came from Washington, D.C.; New York City; Alexandria, Va.; and the Philadelphia region. “You have people who are coming from at least four hours away,” he said. “Some are coming from even farther than that to see the exhibit. I’ve talked to many of them, and most say they’ve discovered what a hidden gem this is.”
Mordosky also noted that many visitors are surprised by the breadth of experiences available in Bethlehem. “A lot of people didn’t realize what we had to offer here in Bethlehem,” he said. “They’re coming and staying at least one night so they can see more of what the city has to offer.”
For Mordosky, HBMS stands out because of its commitment to delivering a high-quality visitor experience and exceptional customer service. Helping make that possible are the organization’s dedicated volunteers, including Mordosky himself.
“I want you to leave here saying, ‘That was a good use of my time. I’m glad I came here. What else is there to see in the area?’” Mordosky said. “I think that’s how we build our audience and continue to grow in the future.”
