STAFF

The mission, vision, and programs of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center (BMHC) are carried out by the Board of Directors, an employee of the board, and a large team of dedicated volunteers. The Executive Director reports to the board of directors and coordinates with volunteers, overseeing the operation, maintenance, and development of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center — its campus, artifacts, programs, and sustainability.

SAM FUNKHOUSER
Executive Director

Sam joined the Heritage Center in January of 2021. He is a native of Shenandoah County, VA, a member of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, New Conference, and a passionate advocate of Anabaptist history and theology. He holds degrees from James Madison University and Princeton Theological Seminary, and during his time at Princeton he completed a major research project on the theology of early English-language Brethren hymnody that has since been published in book form by the Brethren Encyclopedia. Prior to joining the Heritage Center, Sam was the Director of Risk Management for Family Preservation Services, a community-based mental health provider, and he has also served as a part-time consultant for GreenFaith, an interfaith coalition for the environment.

When he’s not at the Heritage Center, Sam’s varied interests and pastimes include playing his euphonium (look it up!) and other low-brass instruments, including ones that he built or modified himself; hypermiling (look it up, too!) his highly efficient and highly modified vehicles; sewing on his treadle sewing machine and treadle serger; backpacking, gardening, helping on the family farm, and just generally being outside; and spending time with his soulmate and his two fun-loving boys.

MARTHA REISH
Field Trip Coordinator

Martha Reish is a retired educator (and educator of educators), most recently as professor of preservice teachers at James Madison University. Martha oversees and coordinates the school field trip program at the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center, scheduling schools, costumed presenters, volunteer guides, bakers, and more. The field trip program always receives rave reviews, in no small part thanks to Martha’s meticulous planning and passion for hands-on learning experiences for children. Martha is always happy to learn of newly interested prospective volunteers, so send her a message today to find out how you might help out with field trip season.

When she’s not coordinating field trips for the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center, Martha and her family are building a house and running a number of farm-based businesses in Broadway, VA. Locals or guests in the area during late May-early June are encouraged to visit Martha and her family during berry season at Broadway Berries.

ERVIE GLICK
Facilities, Grounds, & Maintenance

Ervie Glick is a jack-of-all trades, and he spends many hours volunteering his time to beautify and maintain the campus and buildings of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center. Before retiring, Ervie was a professor of German at Eastern Mennonite University. In the years following WWII, Ervie served two years in Germany with PAX doing 1-W service, and during this time he learned the skills of a stone mason. Visitors to the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center will appreciate Ervie’s stonework on the shoemaker shop and log house.

Maintaining historical buildings provides much work for skilled tradesmen, and Ervie is always thrilled to learn of interested volunteers. Additionally, Ervie employs a team of volunteer mowers, landscapers, painters, and cleaners to keep the campus looking nice. Contact him today to learn how you can contribute to the efforts of maintaining the facilities and ground of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center.