Board of Directors
Served on the board of the Alameda Museum since 2015 as a general member, Secretary and currently as President. I have always been interested in history, sparked by family stories of ancestors’ migration to America, and on to California during the Gold Rush. I became involved with the museum as I learned more about this interesting city and the stories of people who settled here both past and present. As our community changes I hope to see the museum evolve with an expansion of Alameda’s history presented and further outreach to the community to strengthen the connection of how the past influences our future.
A seasoned nonprofit professional, leader in the museum field, and new Alameda resident, I am excited to celebrate our beautiful city’s unique heritage through the Museum. I have worked in the museum field for just over a decade, most recently as the Director of Member Strategy at the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), the world’s largest association of science museum professionals and allied partners. I am also on the Board of the California Association of Museums and active in other museum professional societies. In these roles, I have been responsible for program and project management, fundraising, fiscal oversight, strategic planning, advocacy and government relations, member engagement, and event planning.
A retired police officer with 30 years of service, a passionate enthusiast of Marcuse and Remmel architecture, and a fourth-generation resident of Alameda. Currently, I am developing a database documenting all Marcuse and Remmel properties in Alameda. I have a deep interest in examining historic homes to trace their original designs and the changes made over the years. Additionally, I enjoy helping homeowners understand the history of their properties, identify original features, and note the modifications that have occurred over time. As an active member of the community, I am committed to hands-on restoration projects that contribute to preserving the character and heritage of local homes.
A Genetic Scientist by trade but when she’s not focused on cutting edge transplant care she enjoys diving into the past and learning about history. She was born and raised in Alameda and cares about preserving the island’s history, an interest sparked by her great grandmother, Dr. Alice Challen. Melissa would love to continue to serve on the board as she has stepped in as secretary and would be honored to be able to continue to help preserve Alameda’s history for generations to come!
A lifelong Alameda resident for whom the island’s rich history has always been a source of excitement and intrigue. Having seen Alameda go through many changes over the years she has been honored to be a board member for Alameda Museum. During her time on the board, Melissa’s responsibilities include managing the Alameda Museum social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook and serving as a docent, to name a few contributions.
A journalist, historian, and urban planner from Alameda. After joining the Board of Directors in 2021, he initiated the Executive Director search. Rasheed is chair of the Exhibitions and Events committee and organized the 2022 and 2023 Virtual Speakers Series, “A People’s History of Alameda.”
This term, he plans to focus on improving Museum standards and practicing by co-facilitating the completion of the American Association for State and Local History’s STEPS program (Standards And Excellence Program For History Organizations). Longer term, Rasheed hopes this will help the organization to engage youth through local partnerships, diversify the museum’s collections and exhibitions, and increasing the accessibility of primary sources within the collections. Rasheed is writing a book focused on race and housing in Alameda.
A senior at Encinal High School and a volunteer docent at the Meyers House and Museum. I assist with catalog digitization, visitor support, and general preservation work. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for how local history is maintained and shared.
She is excited to be a new Victorian-dwelling resident to the island of Alameda. This last summer, I moved from Sunnyvale, in the South Bay, where I was employed as museum manager at Heritage Park Museum, a fellow 501(c)(3), for the last four years. During my time there, I worked intimately with the museum’s Board of Directors, and learned what makes a strong board member.