Meet Our Staff
Brittany Venturella, Manager
My passion for exploring and sharing cultures inspires my daily work. I believe that culture is an intersection of history, art and science that helps us discover new understandings about each other and the world around us. My B.A. in History, B.S.J. in Strategic Communications, and M.A. in Museum Professions are foundations for my lifelong learning. With over a decade of museum experience, I have worked in many areas of the museum field, such as education, exhibitions, collections, public relations, administration, and retail. Living in Wapakoneta, Ohio, I enjoy writing articles about Auglaize County history and volunteering. I look forward to meeting the Bicycle Museum of America’s patrons and sharing stories about bicycles and their impact on the world.
Juliana Milewski, Museum Supervisor
I was born and raised in upstate NY and moved to Ohio after getting my B.A. in Museum, Archives and Public history. At the age of sixteen, I began volunteering at my local museum, which included exhibits with bicycles. This experience sparked my passion for museums and set me on the path I am on today. While in college, I took on four internships and studied abroad in the U.K. where I focused on how modern museums create interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. I am grateful to be working at a museum centered on bicycle history, as it brings my journey full circle. Today, I live in New Bremen where I enjoy small town life and continue learning about Ohio’s history. I look forward to collaborating with the community to share the innovation and evolution of bicycles and their impact on the world.
Maria Larger, Museum Assistant
Having grown up down the road in Minster, the Bicycle Museum has always been a local treasure. I have a degree Hospitality Management from The Ohio State University with a minor in business and spent a few years after college living in Columbus working at the Hyatt Regency. After starting a family, my husband and I moved back to the area to be close to our families. I love reading historical fiction and non-fiction novels and learning about different periods of history, which is why I am excited to be a part of the Bicycle Museum to share my passion for history along with my passion for creating a unique and enjoyable experience for all patrons in the museum. This community staple is rich in history and I look forward to being part of its story.
Emily Ray, Museum Assistant
I was born and raised in Texas, and moved to Ohio in 2018. I collect records and antiques in my free time, and enjoy learning about history. The majority of my work experience has been in customer service, although more recently I have worked in child care. Teaching kids is something I enjoy, and the museum is a great opportunity for them to learn. I, myself, loved museums as a child, and I know the impact they can have. For these reasons, I am happy to assist The Bicycle Museum of America in our goal to provide an understanding of the collection here in New Bremen. The museum has given me an opportunity to learn the story behind a lot of our bicycles, and it is very rewarding to assist in the telling of those stories.
Charlene McCarty, Museum Assistant
Having spent many years living in historical coastal towns, I developed a deep appreciation for history, community and the ways in which people stay connected through shared experiences. Returning to Ohio to be closer to my family has given me the opportunity to reconnect with the traditions and values that matter most. I am honored to become part of an organization dedicated to preserving the history, innovation and spirit of bicycling through The Bicycle Museum of America. While I enjoy sharing information about the evolution of bicycles and their influence on transportation, recreation and society, I am equally inspired by the connections they create among people and communities. I look forward to supporting the museum's mission, engaging with fellow enthusiasts and helping share this important piece of American and World history with visitors of all ages.
Josie Bornhorst, Museum Assistant
Being raised in New Bremen, I have many fond memories of the bicycle museum growing up, which was one of the main reasons for my interest in museums. Currently in high school, I was given the opportunity through the Cardinal Apprenticeship Program to work in my area of interest during the school day. I hope to attend a university to major in history and to hopefully continue with a museum career. I have always loved history classes, reading and learning more about the world around me. I am glad to be able to work in the museum and gain meaningful experience through this job. I am looking forward to allowing my interest and love for history to grow through assisting in the museum.