Cathy Stewart
President
2 Year Term – expire 9/30/26
Has been a volunteer at the museum for 10 years. Helping in genealogy and archives, as a docent and rental coordinator for the village church.
Her interest in serving on the museum board comes from her love of local history and desire to preserve and share that history with others. She wishes is to see the museum continue to be a place for citizens to learn and experience all that we have to offer.
Renee Laine
Vice-President
2 Year Term – expire 9/30/26
Full time resident of Sanilac Township and member of the Historical Society for 5 years. I had the pleasure of being nominated and voted as a Board Director in 2025 and now elected to be Vice-President.
Gene Denison
Secretary
2 Year Term – expire 9/30/26
Lives in Port Sanilac and is a long-time history buff with special interests in the Civil War and in World War 2 history. He is also a long-time member of the historical society. He has been on the society board at various times, and has served in the past as SCHS Administrator. He is currently Secretary of the Society.
Gail Nartker
Treasurer
2 Year Term – expire 9/30/26
Is retired and lives in Sandusky with her husband Joe. She was Director at the Sandusky District Library for 26 years. She has served as the Volunteer Treasurer at the Sanilac County Historical Society for the past number of years and is committed to the Museum and its mission.
George Lawson
Director
3 Year Term – expire 9/30/28
In High School, he met Stanley Harrison of Port Sanilac. Stanley, at that time, had retired to his family’s home and needed help around the grounds. Then, Stanley gave his home and a few acres to the Sanilac County Historical Society to be used as a museum.
George has worked on adding buildings to the grounds. Most notably, The Banner Log Cabin and The Carriage Barn.
Ron Erickson
Director
3 Year Term – expire 9/30/28
Has been a dedicated member of the Sanilac County Historical Society for more than 20 years and has served on the Board of Directors for 12 of those years. His professional experience in geology and field investigation brings valuable technical insight to the preservation and care of the Museum’s historic buildings and landscape.
A long-time Michigan history enthusiast, Ron has a particular interest in the region’s glacial, logging, and maritime heritage—areas that align closely with the Museum’s interpretive work. He remains committed to supporting the Society’s mission of preserving and sharing the history of Sanilac County.
Gil Oris
Director
3 Year Term – expire 9/30/26
has been a member of SCCHS since 2008. In that time he has been the chair of a work bee committee that did things like rebuilt the entrance to the Huckins School making it handicap accessible. He chaired the Carriage Barn for several years, enjoyed being a docent particularly when the local schools visit the village in the spring and has served on numerous other committees. Together with George Lawson and Utz Schmidt they pressure washed and painted both the Deckerville Depot and the Carriage Barn. Gil has served on the Board of Directors twice. Over the years he has observed that volunteers at the museum & historic village often feel blessed to be part of the mission of preserving local history for others, both now and in the future.
Angie Wagester
Director
3 Year Term – expire 9/30/26
As a Sanilac County native, I carry a deep affection for the towns and villages that surround me. That love inspired me to begin volunteering at the museum, where I found joy in helping preserve the stories of our community. When I was asked to join the board 2 years ago, I felt immense gratitude for the opportunity to contribute more deeply to safeguarding Sanilac County’s history – ensuring that the legacy of our people and places continues to inspire generations to come.
Joe Conye
Director
3 Year Term – expire 9/30/26
Susan Broadwell
Director
3 Year Term – expire 9/30/27
Has been actively involved with Museum projects for the last seven years. Our museum is very important to her. She wishes to continue her participation on the SCHS Board.
Shirley Lippert
Director
3 Year Term – expire 9/30/27
Has been dedicated to the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum for many years, contributing in multiple capacities. She first joined the organization as the Assistant to the Administrator, serving part-time for three years before transitioning into the full-time role for an additional two years.
The Museum holds a special place in her heart and she hopes to continue the mission statement of preserving our history as well as educating the community about the importance of our story.