Our Team
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Alison Dringenberg
Manager and Curator
Alison is an emerging museum professional whose journey along the heritage sector career path began with a seasonal position at Murney Tower Museum. She holds an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Arts degree in History in the Public Sphere from Central European University (Vienna, Austria) and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (Tokyo, Japan). She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History from McGill University (Montreal, Quebec). Alison has a background in collections management, historical research, and visitor engagement.
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Alexa Grandy
Programming and Communications Coordinator
Alexa is a graduate of Fleming College’s Museum Management and Curatorship program who began her professional museum experience at the Murney Tower Museum as an intern during the 2024 operating season. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Art degree in Canadian Studies from Trent University where she had the opportunity to develop skills in public history with a focus on local heritage. Her education in Canadian Studies gives her a unique perspective on Canada and the complex connections between history, politics, art, social justice, and Indigenous studies.
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Liana Shaw
Chair
Liana recently retired from a career in legal publishing and has quickly filled her spare time with all things historical, from continuing a lifelong passion for genealogical research to volunteering on the Kingston Historical Society Board (KHS) as the Chair for the Murney Tower Museum. A long-time member of the KHS with local ancestral roots stretching back six generations, she is deeply invested in promoting Kingston’s history and culture.
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Beatrice Szymkowiak, PhD
Volunteer Translator
Beatrice is volunteering as a translator for the Murney Tower Museum. Born and raised in France, she holds a Bachelor’s in French Literature and Language from the University of Lille 3. She also earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as well as a PhD in English and a Graduate Certificate in Translation from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Passionate about promoting access to education and culture for all, she is currently helping the museum improve its bilingual accessibility from her home in Arizona.
Murney Tower Museum Steering Committee
Murney Tower Museum is governed by a steering committee of the Kingston Historical Society. This passionate team consists of local volunteers and cultural heritage professionals who provide direction to museum staff on a daily basis.
Chair: Liana Shaw
Committee members: Peter Ginn, Liana Shaw, Peter Gower, Rebecca Marquez, Jared Hayes, Melina Fragis, Randall Thomlinson
Kingston Historical Society
The Murney Tower Museum is operated by The Kingston Historical Society. Established in 1893, this organization works to ensure the preservation and promotion of Kingston’s heritage and historical spaces. They offer publications, programming and have a substantial archival collection. With members from all over the world, the Society is always looking to recruit more passionate history buffs to share in the fun!