HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0173.002 2024-2026a 59
Pacific Tsunami Museum
Testimony for Resolution 99-25
Testimony #2: Dian Mahoney
Docent and Retired Teacher
In 2004 1 retired as a DOE administrator and became a docent under
Donna Saiki, who when I said, 1 don't know much about tsunamis",
said, "Don't worry. You'll learn!" And I have!!!
Being at PTM has enabled me to meet visitors from all over the world,
hear survivors share their stories or those from their relatives, helped
me to work with school groups to educate them about tsunamis, share
true stories about animals (Wisdom the Albatross and elephants in
Indonesia) and people (Tilly Smith) in tsunamis not only to children, but
also adults.
Making connections with our museum is what I want visitors to have. I
ask where they are from, so if we have a story from their state or
country, I can share it with them. Visitors (locals and others) have shared
that PTM is a hidden gem, has wonderful exhibits, they learned so
much, brought memories back (especially the videos from Japan and
Indian Ocean), and never realized how destructive they could be. They
all want to see this museum continue for a long time. It has been my
most fun job and I'd like to be here as long as I can.
Come on Saturdays, if you'd like to hear some stories you can't read in
the displays. I would be glad to share with you.