There are many times in life when its events come full circle. That is what has happened to Bisbee native Annie Graeme Larkin, director of Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum (BM&HM), on a few occasions during her time at the museum.
After having an early start as an intern in the early 2000s, cataloging the museum’s Shattuck mineral collection, Graeme Larkin has recently had the pleasure of working with this summer’s intern, Gina Tome Moeller, who started in May archiving.
“Gina was an absolute delight to have as part of our team over the summer,” said Graeme Larkin. “The work she performed will enable easier access for staff and researchers to utilize the materials for years to come.”
Moeller, studying a master’s degree in library and information science with a focus on archives at the University of Arizona in Tucson, connected with Graeme Larkin in her search for the right opportunity. “I wanted to increase my experience in archives, and after speaking with Annie, BM&HM seemed like a perfect fit,” said Tome Moeller.
While this opportunity gave Moeller the chance to showcase her passion toward preserving history for future generations, in a hands-on way while learning from experienced professionals, she also found time to enjoy the benefits of what daily life in Bisbee offers. She most specifically loved the blue skies, beautiful scenery and welcoming people.
“To me, the community of Bisbee means warm, supportive people who are excited about their local history,” said Tome Moeller. “I am honored to have been part of the historical preservation process here while enjoying the charm of small-town life.”
Her favorite part about working at the museum has been the welcoming and supportive staff and volunteers at the museum. “Whenever I have a question or need help with something, I have so many people I can turn to,” said Tome Moeller. “They are all excited to share their knowledge of Bisbee history with me.”
One of the longer-serving volunteers at the museum, Sandy Heusman, began volunteering shortly after she moved to Bisbee from Colorado in 2012. “Living at 9,000 feet can get cold, windy and snowy,” said Heusman. “My husband and I lived in a small mining town, so Bisbee was a perfect place to transition to warmer weather.”
She thought volunteering would be a great way to meet people, learn about the history of Bisbee and be part of the community all at the same time. “It has certainly taught me about the history of Bisbee, and I’ve met some wonderful volunteers and staff members that have become friends,” said Heusman. “I love Bisbee- the historic, small-town feel.”
Another volunteer that permeates positive energy in the museum gift shop, Sharon Travis, a resident of Bisbee since 1989. “Long ago, when I first came to Bisbee in 1964, I fell in love with the physical beauty of this place,” said Travis. “Over time, each visit only confirmed for me that living here would be a dream come true.”
Although you can find her in the gift shop every Friday, she also volunteers for any other days she’s needed and doesn’t have other commitments. “I always come home feeling appreciated and feeling like I’ve contributed something worthwhile to the museum and to my community,” said Travis.
Travis started volunteering in 2021 after she retired from her full-time job. She was giving her time two days a week to the Arizona Department of Child Safety in Sierra Vista when a friend of hers, Judy Anderson, suggested she volunteer at the BM&HM to eliminate the back-and-forth driving. “It was a great suggestion, and I’ve been ‘hooked’ since my first try at it,” said Travis. “I love the interaction with tourists and visitors and find it very invigorating.”
Just as the museum visitors come to Bisbee from far and wide, so does Friday afternoon’s front desk volunteer, Jean-Jacques Grandiere, who was born in Normandy, France. Searching for a place to retire, Grandiere moved to Bisbee from Paramaribo, Suriname in 2019. “I fell in love (with Bisbee) and found a little house and stayed,” said Grandiere.
Coming up on his six-year anniversary at the museum (September), Grandiere also started volunteering right after coming to town. “I thought it would be the best way to know the history of Bisbee and meet with the community,” said Grandiere, “and I was right.” He now better knows the history of this former mining town.
As a world traveler, he most enjoys meeting other travelers and people from around the world. He also really enjoys working with Graeme Larkin and Brenda Morales, associate director of operations. He couldn’t imagine being anywhere else right now in life. “I love the diversity and the openness of the people of Bisbee,” said Grandiere, “and I am glad to contribute to the greatness of this unique city.”