Joseph Lutz, Executive Director & Curator
If you have a question about the collections or how you can get involved with the museum, Joseph is who you should ask. Joseph has a passion for historic preservation and community collaboration.
Joseph is an Evansville area native who holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and an executive certificate in Tourism & Hospitality Management from FAU. With nearly a decade of experience in community, organizational, and museum development, Joseph uses this experience to further the museum’s mission.
Prior to rejoining the Reitz Home Museum, Joseph served with Peace Corps Response as a Concept Development & Museology Advisor to the Jewish History Museum of Moldova. While there, Joseph collaboratively developed exhibitions, discovered and researched new source materials in multiple languages, and developed an overall modern, innovative concept and strategic plan for the museum.
In Joseph’s free time, he enjoys volunteering in the community. Joseph currently sits on the Boards of numerous local and national nonprofits.
Maddie Mattingly, Operations Manager & Administrative Assistant
Whether scheduling a school or group tour, planning your next event or needing additional information on the Reitz Home Museum, Maddie is your go to. She makes sure every wedding, bridal shower, baby shower, anniversary party, or corporate event goes off without a hitch. Maddie can set you up.
A downtown Evansville native, Maddie is passionate about preserving and sharing our local history. With a young one herself, she sees the importance of educating the next generation on local history that is a part of the fabric of the national story. Maddie feels like she is living the dream getting to work in a place that has so much beauty, craftsmanship, and history.
Interested in renting our venue space, you can call 812.426.1871 or email maddie.mattingly@reitzhome.com
Diane Fehrenbacher, Visitor Experience Coordinator & Outreach Advisor
An Evansville area native, Diane joins the museum with extensive experience in the non-profit world, in the tourism industry, and with volunteer management. When not playing pickleball, you’ll find Diane contemplating new programming and outreach initiatives for the museum. Have an idea? She is always open to hearing it.
If you are lucky enough to get a tour by Diane, you’ll feel like part of the family. Diane’s inspiration for the tours (and connection to the museum) could be from her great-great aunt Mary who served as the Reitz family’s long-time housekeeper. Diane works with the docents (volunteer tour guides) to make sure tours are educational and enjoyable.
Interested in scheduling a school or group tour or interested in becoming a volunteer or docent? Diane is who to reach out to. Diane also handles all our Tea & Tour bookings.
Contact her at dianef@reitzhome.com
Ford Honnigford, Curatorial Assistant
Assisting in all things curatorial related (and then some). If Ford isn’t interacting with guests, you will find Ford digitizing our collection, researching the Reitz family, and accessing new items to our collection. Ford is an Evansville native, having graduated from the University of Evansville with a classical history focus. Ford previously interned at the Reitz Home.
Interested in donating a historic item to us? You can email info@reitzhome.com and our Curatorial Committee will determine if it meets our current needs. When sending an email, please include as much information as possible.
Weekend Coordinators
The Reitz Home Museum is fortunate to have some highly skilled weekend staff. When visiting the museum, you’ll interact with our lovely volunteers and staff.
Volunteers and Docents
While not staff, our operations would not be possible without our many volunteers and docents who give tours, clean, and help with whatever is needed. We are so appreciative of all they do to move the mission of the Reitz Home forward.