STAFF

The mission, vision, and programs of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center (BMHC) are carried out by the Board of Directors, an employee of the board, and a large team of dedicated volunteers. The Executive Director reports to the board of directors and coordinates with volunteers, overseeing the operation, maintenance, and development of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center — its campus, artifacts, programs, and sustainability.

SAM FUNKHOUSER
Executive Director

Sam joined the Heritage Center in January of 2021. He is a native of Shenandoah County, VA, a member of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, New Conference, and a passionate advocate of Anabaptist history and theology. He holds degrees from James Madison University and Princeton Theological Seminary, and during his time at Princeton he completed a major research project on the theology of early English-language Brethren hymnody that has since been published in book form by the Brethren Encyclopedia. Prior to joining the Heritage Center, Sam was the Director of Risk Management for Family Preservation Services, a community-based mental health provider, and he has also served as a part-time consultant for GreenFaith, an interfaith coalition for the environment.

When he’s not at the Heritage Center, Sam’s varied interests and pastimes include playing his euphonium (look it up!) and other low-brass instruments, including ones that he built or modified himself; hypermiling (look it up, too!) his highly efficient and highly modified vehicles; sewing on his treadle sewing machine and treadle serger; backpacking, gardening, helping on the family farm, and just generally being outside; and spending time with his soulmate and his two fun-loving boys.