From left are Barbara Jennings, VOA museum Volunteer of the Year, and Jack Dominic, executive director of the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting. Photo: Oak Tree Communications
Voice of America Museum Director Jack Dominic has announced Barbara Jennings as the organization’s volunteer of the year.
“Besides being a constant, reliable volunteer, Barb is a joy to work with,” said Dominic. “She is deeply interested in the history of greater Cincinnati and continually learning more about Cincinnati’s role in preserving democracy during World War II and the Cold War. She is always smiling and genuinely interested in everyone she meets.”
Jennings worked for 35 years as a clinical microbiologist in labs in the Cincinnati area, collaborating with infection control nurses at hospitals. She also taught microbiology to medical technology and pharmacy students, as well as pathology and infectious disease residents.
She is currently a docent with Heritage Programs at Cincinnati Museum Center and a volunteer usher for Playhouse in the Park.
After studying about Powell Crosley Jr., and preparing to give a tour on his interests in Cincinnati, Jennings came to the VOA museum to learn about the Voice of America.
“Once I saw the building, I fell in love,” she said. “And once I met the various volunteers and past workers, I felt their great affection for the building and all the wonderful technology that was created and utilized here. I knew I had to be here in order to learn more. It is a true treasure, along with everyone who volunteers here.”
The VOA museum consists of collections and exhibits from the VOA-Bethany station, Media Heritage’s Greater Cincinnati Museum of Broadcast History, the Gray History of Wireless Museum and the West Chester Amateur Radio Association control room.
The museum is located at 8070 Tylersville Road in West Chester, Ohio, and open to the public on the third Saturday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. The museum will open May 16. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children under 12.
