Dr. Richard Banz — Executive Director
Dr. Richard Banz was promoted to executive director of the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History in December of 2010. He came to the City of Kennesaw in April 2010 as director of education and public programs for the Southern Museum and accepted the position of executive director earlier this month. Banz has over twenty years of experience in museum administration and education. His previous experience includes teaching American History at York College of Pennsylvania. From 2000 through 2007, he worked as director of interpretation and collections at the York County Heritage Trust. He also served as chairman of the Alliance of Pennsylvania County Historical Societies. He earned a Doctor of Education in adult education from Pennsylvania State University in 2009. His interests include visiting Civil War sites and model railroading. Richard and his wife Debra reside in Acworth.
Harper C. Harris — Lead Interpreter
Harper C. Harris was born in Cobb County, GA. He has worked for the Southern Museum since it was the Kennesaw Civil War Museum. His passion for history is evident in the spirited Civil War programs and tours he gives on soldiers’ lives and the Great Locomotive Chase. His more than 36 years as a re-enactor give him a unique perspective on history.
Sallie Loy — Senior Archivist
Sallie Loy is the senior archivist working with the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History Archives and Library since 2001 after receiving her BA/History and Certificate of Public History from Kennesaw State University. She currently serves on the Society of Georgia Archivists Annual Meeting Planning and Georgia Archives Week Planning committees. Sallie is also co-author of three Arcadia books using the archival materials housed in the Southern Museum Archives and Library, “The Southern Railway,” “Southern Railway: Further Recollections,” and “Images of America: Kennesaw.”
Ken Hoo— Early Childhood Educator
Ken Hoo joined the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History in October 2011. He develops and implements early education programs, including the weekly Mommy & Me programs, Homeschool Days, and school field trip. He earned his bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and master’s degree in reading education from Vanderbilt University, and taught Kindergarten for a number of years. His previous museum experience includes work at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, the USS Constitution Museum in Boston, and the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire.
Kelly Briscoe - Volunteer Coordinator/Assistant Educator Kelly Briscoe, a lifelong resident of Kennesaw, joined the Southern Museum in 2012. After finishing an internship with the Museum in 2011, she received her degree from Kennesaw State University and has returned to become the Volunteer Coordinator. She now works to recruit more volunteers and interns as well as help the existing volunteers excel in their duties at the Museum. Kelly’s other responsibilities include conducting interpretive and educational tours on a weekly basis.
