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New staffer at Rose Hill and Johnston House

By Amy Pepe, Visitor Services and Public Programs Manager at Rose Hill Mansion and Johnston House

Hi there! I’m Amy Pepe and I am the new Visitor Services and Public Programs Manager at Rose Hill Mansion and Johnston House. And yes, I am still working on a snappy acronym for my title! I come to the Geneva Historical Society from the Rochester City Historian’s Office where I worked as a Historical Researcher and managed the High Falls Visitor Center. Prior to that, I worked and interned in a variety of local history institutions in and around Rochester such as the Rochester Museum and Science Center, Strong Museum of Play, and Emily L. Knapp Museum and Library of Local History.

A Rochester native, I received my education at SUNY Brockport, earning a bachelor’s degree in American History and Anthropology and later a master’s degree in Public History. I have a strong interest in world’s fairs throughout United States history, which led me to write my master’s thesis on Rochester’s 1934 Centennial Exhibition. More generally, I’m interested in Western New York reform history and how the past helps us understand our present. Although I am familiar with New York history, I am new to Geneva and can’t wait to dig into its past! With the help of my co-workers and knowledgeable docents I’ve already had such an education learning the house tour for Rose Hill Mansion. I’m sure I don’t speak alone when I say that you can’t help but be impressed by Rose Hill, especially the first time you lay eyes on it. Learning the history of the property and the house is a wonderful jumping off point for me to understand Geneva’s past, especially the role agriculture has had. I have been very warmly welcomed by the Geneva Historical Society family and am looking forward to getting to know the community and its history better. Hope to see you at Rose Hill and Johnston House this season!