[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 170 (Friday, October 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1094-E1095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       RECOGNIZING JIM DEMERSMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 28, 2022

  Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Jim DeMersman on the 
occasion of his retirement as the Executive Director of Pleasanton's 
Museum on Main on Friday, November 4, 2022.
  Jim graduated from Houghton University with a Bachelor of Arts in 
History and Business Administration in 1980. He began his museum career 
at the Genesee Country Museum as an assistant to the director of 
education and curator. He then moved to the Bay Area to work as the 
executive director of the Hayward Area Historical Society until 2007.
  In 2009, Jim became the executive director of Pleasanton's Museum on 
Main. Jim helped to expand the museum's annual visitor numbers from 
9,000 to 30,000 by promoting enriching exhibits and upgrading the 
permanent

[[Page E1095]]

exhibit room with additional technology to expand public access. Jim 
also expanded the offerings at the Adobe Historical Facility by 
addressing numerous historic program needs. In addition, Jim oversaw 
joint programs that helped connect the museum to the community through 
building a network of supporters by hosting multiple nonprofit events 
in partnership with Pleasanton's Downtown Association, Heritage 
Association, and Art League.
  Jim's leadership at Museum on Main also saw the creation of new and 
exciting programs. Jim helped create the first Wine and Valentines 
event, which has become an annual fundraiser. The museum also 
popularized and expanded an Ed Kinney series to include matinees and 
evening performances.
  When the pandemic struck, Jim helped the Museum on Main pivot to 
virtual programming to allow staff to continue to serve the community. 
Popular fundraising events like the Ghost Walk Event moved to a virtual 
format, allowing even more community members to engage and enjoy the 
museum's activities. Even with remote work and financial hurdles, Jim 
sustained operations by utilizing grant funds from public and private 
foundations.
  For 13 years, Jim DeMersman has played a pivotal role in preserving 
the history and culture of California's 15th Congressional District. I 
join the Tri-Valley community wishing him rest and relaxation with his 
husband, Richard, as he begins his retirement.

                          ____________________