DAMON Cawley
Favorite Part of Job? Discussing the history of the museum and St Johnsbury with guests is always rewarding. The context to our 
collection gives a much richer appreciation for the learning that began 125 years ago and continues today in our building. I learn 
something knew almost every time I'm there.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My former boss at the largest AmeriCorps program in the nation, City Year, was a personal and professional mentor. He is a warrior for social justice. He introduced me to so many inspiring people and quotes one of which is "Be quick but don't hurry" by John Wooden.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I've been to 45 states. I will get to Hawaii, Alaska, Montana, North and South Dakota someday.
Favorite Vermont Escape: I love watching the sunset from Sentinel Rock just past Lake Willoughby. I think its one of the best views in the state that few people enjoy.
Favorite Downtime Activity: I enjoy hiking in the NEK. There are so many beautiful vistas.
Favorite Super Hero: Wolverine has been my favorite since I was a kid. He has a tortured history and is tough as (Adamantium) nails.
Favorite Social Media: I like Facebook for politics and Instagram for showing Vermont vanity plates and the flower table at the museum. There are no better ways for me to stay connected to the world.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: I would love to share a Hill Farmstead IPA with Bernie Sanders.
What is the best career advice you have received? My mom told me when I was in high school not to stress my major in college since we all have multiple careers. It was some of the best advice that I got at a confusing time.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? In ten years I'd like to be running my own business or working with friends on theirs.
Career Highlights: I've had the pleasure of several rewarding careers in my short life. Out of college I worked in entertainment producing live music and festivals, as well as in a professional theater complex. Then I signed up for AmeriCorps and had a life changing experience serving in public schools across the country tutoring and mentoring kids, running after school programs, civically engaging community members, doing physical community service projects, and producing events. More recently I was the Director of Northern Skies Observatory in Peacham. I currently work at one of the most unique museums in the country and am lucky to be able to produce incredible learning experiences like the inaugural Governor's Institutes of Vermont on Astronomy this summer.
Community Involvement: I was an AmeriCorps member for three service years with City Year in Philadelphia, Detroit, and Louisiana after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I’ve gone back to New Orleans for the past eight years as part of community service projects for MLK weekend. I volunteered for several years as a coach with the Boston Women’s Flag Football League including to a division championship. I’m currently on the Board of the Northeast Kingdom Astronomy Foundation, and I am the Board Vice President of the Passumpsic Valley Land Trust.