FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT:
Nancy Pierce
Zeal Public Relations, Inc.
330.777.0245
ASSISTANT CURATOR APPOINTED AT “A CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE”
Local movie buff and museum professional assumes responsibility
for day-to-day care and operations
CLEVELAND – March 19, 2007 – “A Christmas Story House” has named Darryl Haase Assistant Curator, announced Executive Director Steve Siedlecki. He will be primarily responsible for the care and operation of the Tremont house used in the 1983 film, “A Christmas Story,” which was restored and renovated and opened as a tourist attraction in November.
“Darryl brings a wide range of knowledge, especially about film and in particular ‘A Christmas Story’ and we are excited to have him on board,” said Siedlecki.
Haase, 41, started as a volunteer and very quickly distinguished himself as a tour guide and caretaker of the property. He has focused specifically on enhancing the guests’ overall experience, including movie trivia and little-known facts, as well as acquiring additional artifacts to place on display.
Owner Brian Jones said that Darryl is a “perfect fit” for the assistant curator position. “He has been working on some of the finer details to give the house a truly authentic feel of being in Ralphie Parker’s family home in December 1940.”
In addition to Siedlecki and Haase, “A Christmas Story House” employs a full-time warehouse manager in Garfield Heights and four part-time museum and gift shop associates.
Haase’s professional experience includes creating educational materials for the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s “Half-way to Australia Day,” as well as developing the summer teen volunteer program’s puppet show, “Zoo Crew,” and performing in “Boo at the Zoo.” He was also a Guest Services Representative at the Great Lakes Science Center.
“I’m a long-time movie buff and have considerable knowledge of movies in general, which helps me answer questions about ‘A Christmas Story’ and its broader context in movie history,” explained Haase. “I also have a performance background and experience doing educational interpretations of both living and non-living exhibits which helps me to engage the public in a variety of ways.”
“A Christmas Story House” is located at 3159 W. 11th Street. The complex, which includes a Museum and Gift Shop across the street, is open year-round on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from noon to 5 pm. Tours of the house run every half hour with the last tour of the day at 4:30 pm. For more information, visit or call them at 216-298-4919.
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