​Kathryn Gibbons moved to Cincinnati when she was young. She has been on the Board for many years and recently concluded her term as the President on the Board of the Friends of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. Following are edited excerpts from an interview with Ms. Gibbons.
 
Did you quickly become active in the Harriet Beecher Stowe House community?
I wanted to become involved in the Walnut Hills community. I met Chris DeSimio who asked me to be on the Board. At first, I was not interested in giving tours or the public speaking aspect of it. However, once I learned more about Harriet and the House, I felt more comfortable giving tours. I really enjoyed giving tours and have given quite a few over the years. Giving tours are very rewarding and gives me the opportunity to meet people from all over.
 
Do you have any favorite programs that you have participated in?
I always enjoy Harriet’s Birthday Party celebration. It is a fun event where people of all ages in the community come to. I also enjoy talks and book signings because they are very powerful to me. I think a variety of programs is good for engaging the community. Not everyone likes the same programs and offering a variety will attract more people.
 
Kathryn is a Board Member who is greatly involved with the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. The Board is extremely active and support the small staff in many ways. These board members are volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, you can find more information here.

Bob Graham is originally from California. He moved to Cincinnati for work and later became involved with the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. He is currently Treasurer on the Board of the Friends of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. Following are edited excerpts from an interview with Mr. Graham.

How quickly did you become involved with the Harriet Beecher Stowe House?
I was looking for something to become involved in after moving to Cincinnati. In Sacramento I oversaw communications for the traditional Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. I worked with the Traditional Sacramento Jazz Society for 22 years before moving to Cincinnati. I learned about the Harriet Beecher Stowe House through my friendship with Eric, Christina’s husband. When Christina became Executive Director, I began helping her and Eric with different projects around the house. I eventually began attending programs and was approached to apply to the Board.

What is one thing you have learned since becoming involved with the Harriet Beecher Stowe House?
I did not know about the Green Motorist Book before becoming involved with the House. It is a huge chapter of American history. I also learned that Harriet Beecher Stowe and Uncle Tom’s Cabin was one of the factors that led to the Civil War. Her novel was a moving story from the view of an individual that brought the horrors of slavery to light. I was not aware of how influential Harriet Beecher Stowe was.