Our Team
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Alison Dringenberg
Manager and Curator
Alison is an emerging museum professional whose journey along the heritage sector career path began with a seasonal position at Murney Tower Museum. She holds an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Arts degree in History in the Public Sphere from Central European University (Vienna, Austria) and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (Tokyo, Japan). She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History from McGill University (Montreal, Quebec). Alison has a background in collections management, historical research, and visitor engagement.
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Alexa Grandy
Museum Coordinator
Alexa is a graduate of Fleming College’s Museum Management and Curatorship program who began her professional museum experience at the Murney Tower Museum as an intern during the 2024 operating season. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Art degree in Canadian Studies from Trent University where she had the opportunity to develop skills in public history with a focus on local heritage. Her education in Canadian Studies gives her a unique perspective on Canada and the complex connections between history, politics, art, social justice, and Indigenous studies.
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Liana Shaw
Chair
Liana recently retired from a career in legal publishing and has quickly filled her spare time with all things historical, from continuing a lifelong passion for genealogical research to volunteering on the Kingston Historical Society Board (KHS) as the Chair for the Murney Tower Museum. A long-time member of the KHS with local ancestral roots stretching back six generations, she is deeply invested in promoting Kingston’s history and culture.
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Sam Nicholls
Project Coordinator
Sam is a former employee of Murney Tower Museum and current volunteer Project Coordinator for our Centennial Initiative. Sam has an MA in Public History from Carleton University and a BA in History from Queen’s University. As a Kingston girl born and raised, she is passionate about preserving and promoting Kingston’s history - especially at the unique and iconic Murney Tower! Sam now lives in Ottawa working as a Historical Researcher at Know History Inc.
Murney Tower Museum Steering Committee
Murney Tower Museum is governed by a steering committee of the Kingston Historical Society. This passionate team consists of local volunteers and cultural heritage professionals who provide direction to museum staff on a daily basis.
Chair: Liana Shaw
Committee members: Peter Ginn, Liana Shaw, Rebecca Marquez, Paul Charbonneau, Melina Fragis, Randall Thomlinson
Kingston Historical Society
The Murney Tower Museum is operated by The Kingston Historical Society. Established in 1893, this organization works to ensure the preservation and promotion of Kingston’s heritage and historical spaces. They offer publications, programming and have a substantial archival collection. With members from all over the world, the Society is always looking to recruit more passionate history buffs to share in the fun!