Kayla Graffam, Museum Manager
Kayla Graffam earned a BA in history from University of Southern Maine, Portland. She is completing her MA in Public History at University of Massachusetts, Boston. Her thesis examines how music during the American Civil War functioned not only as political propaganda but as a powerful medium for shaping emotional experience among soldiers and civilians. It explores the ways songs constructed, regulated, and expressed emotions such as patriotism, grief, anger, and belonging.
Kayla also serves as the Assistant Manager of Visitor Services at Lexington History Museums, Lexington, Mass. She works with the front line staff to keep the museums running smoothly, and schedules group tours of all four locations. Her independent research project as an undergraduate, overseen by Dr. Ashley Towle, investigated the lives of the soldiers listed on the Civil War monument on USM’s Gorham Campus. The website she developed (a work in progress now contributed to by other students) is at gorhammonument.weebly.com. She has also presented at the New England Museum Association Conference (NEMA) and the American Historical Association Conference (AHA).
David W. Graf, Frame Artisan & Wood Turner
Based in Kittery Point, Maine, David has been created beautiful hand-turned oval frames using a variety of wood species for more than 25 years. He also specializes in tower clock maintenance and repair and has worked on clocks nationwide.
(photo cred: Paola Fabiano)
Melissa Carr, Frame Artisan Apprentice
Melissa is the owner of Masterwork Conservation, which works with major museums and other clients to restore furniture, Asian laqure and sculpture. She is working one-on-one with David Graf to learn the art of making Schwamb frames.
Old Schwamb Mill 