FOR BREAKING N EWS VISIT www.couriersun.com june 11, 2015 • The Courier sun 19 SCOTT BARON’S STAR OF QUENS Richard Hourahan Collections Manager Queens Historical Society Background: Hourahan was not enthusiastic about history in his youth, and had primarily been interested in business, math and physical science. He studied chemistry for a short time as an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania before being drafted as a soldier into the Vietnam War. After he got back to the United States he resumed his studies to finish a degree in business school and a master’s degree in computer software. It was only after a career in software database and archival work that he began to pursue an interest in historical knowledge and preservation. Occupation: Collections manager at the Queens Historical Society Community Involvement: Hourahan’s presentations can be seen by audiences all throughout Queens in various locations, with an estimated 7,000 people having attended an exhibit he produced for the World’s Fair Anniversary Festival in the summer of 2014. The Queens Historical Society also takes history right to members of the public in other ways, with lessons in local classrooms and satellite exhibits with participating locations, such as Queens College. Greatest Achievement: Being The Courier’s “Star of Queens” Biggest Challenge: Hourahan says that creating programs to appeal to people of different communities and backgrounds is one of his biggest challenges, especially in Queens, largely known as the most culturally diverse community in the world. A big part of his job is breaking barriers and speaking to people of different languages and socioeconomic backgrounds, so he tries to tell stories that can the whole community can relate to by telling historical stories though various perspectives. He also focuses on connecting to his audience. “They talk to you, they ask questions, they know stuff,” Hourahan said. “I find I have to get outside myself, and so I try to listen to people.” Inspiration: “Queens is my biggest inspiration,” Hourahan said. “It is. You just have to go out and walk around.” BY ALINA SURIEL brought to you by SCOTT BARON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law 1-866-WAS-HURT (866) 927-4878 718.738.9800 star OF queens CUTLER’S LIGHTING Over 50 Years Experience REPAIRS • REWIRING • RE-FINISHING • LAMP SHADES SUMMER SAVINGS TAKE 20-50% OFF LAMP SHADE SALE on yellow and red tagged items 10% OFF ANY PURCHASE With Coupon. Not combinable – New Orders Only. Limit 1 per customer. $150.00 max for discount. Excludes Repairs, Refi nishing, Rewiring. Exp. 6/30/2015 CUTLER’S LIGHTING CUTLER’S LIGHTING LYNBROOK 817 Sunrise Hwy (2 Blocks west of Peninsula Blvd.) 516-887-1300 GREAT NECK 120 Northern Blvd. 516-482-1919 12 years from now, this LED bulb will still be saving you money. OFF German for Children After School Program New York State Accredited Language Program Low Tuition Four convenient locations in the Greater New York area: Ridgewood, Queens (on Freshpond Rd.) Manhattan (NY), Franklin Square, Garden City. Minimum Age: 4 Years No Previous German Necessary Classes Meet Once a Week Playgroup Age 4-5 From 4:30-6:15 Kindergarten Age 5-6 Other Classes Ages 7-15 Classes Start Second Week in September For more information call: 212-787-7543 or see: www.German-American-School.org THE COURIER/Photo by Alina Suriel
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