Tags
Advice, Akron University, archivist, Canton, findyourquest, findyourwhy, Genealogy, high school, History, mckinleypresidentiallibrary, morethanamonument, ohio, Radio, Researcher, seekthethreads, St. Michaels, Stark County, Taft Middle School, The Ohio State University, volunteers, welcome, WHBC, William McKinley
Podcast
Name: Tom Haas
Position: Research volunteer
Hometown: Canton, Ohio
College: The Ohio State University
Major/Minor: History
Where did you attend school (elementary, junior high, high school/college)?
I went to St. Michael’s school for elementary. I used to walk to and from school while listening to my radio. I attended Taft Middle School and graduated from Glenwood High School in 1968. I went on to Akron University for a year, but then I transferred to The Ohio State University as a history major. I graduated in 1972 with my B.A. in history.
How did you hear about The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum?
I first got involved with the Stark County Historical Society, which is located in the library, when I became the Canton Bicentennial Director in 1975.
How/When did you become a volunteer at our library?
I became a volunteer at the library in 2014. I had been researching my own family history since I retired in 2010 and spent a lot of time in the library trying to piece my own history together. One day, Mark (our archivist), asked if I would like to be a volunteer since I spent a lot of my time in the library anyway. I’ve been here ever since.
What is your favorite part of being a volunteer in the library?
I enjoy working with other researchers and volunteers. The ability to learn and grow doesn’t have a limit, we can always expand our knowledge in many ways.
What has been one of your favorite projects to work on?
One of my favorite projects recently was when I worked on researching the oldest house in Stark County, it has been around since 1812.
Do you have any hobbies or other commitments?
I used to do stone carvings, but I really enjoy making wood carvings lately.
What values and/or lessons would you pass along to someone?
Always have an open mind and a sense of humor. Don’t take yourself so seriously.
We want to thank Tom for letting us interview him and allowing us to share his story on our social media. Our team at the McKinley Presidential Library loves being able to share stories of our volunteers with people outside of the museum and we want you to be apart of that too!
If you would like information on how to become a volunteer, be sure to private message our page or call the museum at: (330) 455-7043
Archivist's Attic... 