WEST CHESTER RESIDENT NAMED VOA MUSEUM VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR    

Barb Jennings and Jack Dominic, Executive Director of the National VOA Museum of Broadcasting

When Barbara Jennings of West Chester retired, she didn’t stay retired long.

She re-fired interests in Cincinnati history, architecture and culture and began volunteering as a museum docent and Cincinnati tour guide.

She has been named the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting Volunteer of the Year, announced museum director Jack Dominic today.

Jennings worked for 35 years as a clinical microbiologist in various labs in greater Cincinnati, working closely with infection control nurses at Cincinnati’s top six hospitals. She also taught microbiology to medical technology and pharmacy students, as well as pathology and infectious disease residents.

“I love anything art deco, travel, architecture and volunteering,” said Jennings. After studying about Powell Crosley, Jr., and preparing to give a tour on his interests in Cincinnati, she came to the VOA museum to learn about the Voice of America.

“Once I saw the building, I fell in love,” she said. “And once I met the various volunteers and past workers, I felt their great affection for the building and all the wonderful technology that was created and utilized here. I knew I had to be here in order to learn more. It is a true treasure, along with everyone who volunteers here.”

Jennings has given to others most of her adult life. She was a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of greater Cincinnati and a volunteer for Hospice of Cincinnati. She is also a docent with Heritage Programs at Cincinnati Museum Center and a volunteer usher for Playhouse in the Park.

“Besides being a constant, reliable volunteer, Barb is a joy to work with,” said Dominic. “She is deeply interested in the history of greater Cincinnati and continually learning more about Cincinnati’s role in preserving democracy during World War II and the Cold War. She is always smiling and genuinely interested in everyone she meets.”

The VOA museum consists of collections and exhibits from the VOA-Bethany station; Media Heritage’s Greater Cincinnati Museum of Broadcast History; the Gray History of Wireless Museum; and the West Chester Amateur Radio Association control room.