Stewardship · Community · Leadership

Meet the people who carry the legacy.

Johnson House Historic Site is guided by a committed Board of Directors, supported by advisers, staff, and docents who carry its mission forward.

Governance & Service

Executive Committee

Board leadership and governance

Portrait of Patricia J. Bass
President

Patricia J. Bass

“Every voice, every action, every choice matters. The Johnson House teaches us that freedom is built one courageous step at a time.”
Portrait of Sheila Bennett
Secretary

Sheila Bennett

“History lives here—not as relics in glass, but as reminders that justice requires daily commitment and collective will.”
Treasurer

Mary Lawton

“The Johnson House story proves that hope is not passive. It is an act of will, carried forward by people willing to stand against the tide.”

Governance & Service

Board of Directors

Community members helping steward the mission

Portrait of Michael S. Cogbill
Board Member

Michael S. Cogbill

Portrait of Marybeth Gonzales
Board Member

Marybeth Gonzales

“This house showed that ordinary people—bound by love and conviction—can change the course of history. As a Board member, I’m committed to making sure their story empowers us today.”
Portrait of Dr. Deborah Clements Johnson
Board Member

Dr. Deborah Clements Johnson

“In every beam and chamber lies a story of daring and resilience. My work with the Johnson House is about honoring that spirit—and lighting a path for future generations.”
Portrait of Gail D. Montgomery-Watson
Board Member

Gail D. Montgomery-Watson

“The Johnson family’s work bridged divides—racial, cultural, and generational. That mission sustains my dedication as a Board member: to build bridges that endure.”
Portrait of David A. Weathington
Board Member

David A. Weathington

“This house is both an archive of courage and an invitation to act. My role here is to steward that invitation—so visitors leave knowing they too can be catalysts for change.”
Portrait of Marcella W. Travagline, Esq.
Board Member

Marcella W. Travagline, Esq.

“Behind every hiding place and secret passage is a story of bravery, sacrifice, and hope. It’s my honor to help share those stories and ensure they inspire new defenders of freedom.”

Experience & Counsel

Advisory Committee.

Recognizing the advisers listed by Johnson House Historic Site.

Darell Germain
David Gould
Dominique Casimir, Esq.
Reverend Marshall Mitchell
Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Ginny Christiansen
Christopher Bartlett
Robin Bass
Michael Moore
Katherine Kaman
Michael Buckley

People behind the work

Staff & operations.

Meet the staff supporting the historic house, collections, educational programming, and visitor experience.

Portrait of Cornelia Swinson
Executive Director

Cornelia Swinson

“ENSURING THE JOHNSON HOUSE CONTINUES TO INSPIRE FUTURE GENERATIONS. KEEPING THE MEMORY OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD ALIVE.”

My years of experience advocating for social change, working alongside residents, families, and community leaders, align well with Johnson House’s history of abolition. I believe this synergy allows us to bring our shared principles together into a call to action for our current times. It was in response to this call that Johnson House led a community-driven process to establish a Center for Social Advocacy in 2015.

Archives & Collections

Archivist & Collections

Supporting the care, organization and accessibility of historic collections.

Site Operations

Administrative Support

Supporting the day-to-day activities and visitor services of Johnson House Historic Site.

The voices of Johnson House

Meet Our Docents

Our volunteer docents bring the history of Johnson House to life through guided interpretation, thoughtful conversations, and a commitment to sharing the site’s historical significance.

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