NAME: Phyllis Geeslin
TITLE: President & CEO FOR: Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
SINCE? 1993
YOUR JOB DUTIES INCLUDE? Operation of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
YOU WORK HOW MANY HOURS WEEKLY? 40+
PROJECT/S YOU ARE MOST PROUD TO HAVE BEEN PART OF? Excellent educational programs, accreditation, carriage house rebuild and installation of elevator.
WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? Learning something new every day and working with bright, dedicated people.
WORST PART OF WHAT YOU DO? Keeping an old house in order and in good repair.
HOW YOU DEFINE PERSONAL SUCCESS? Fulfilling goals and family time.
ADVICE TO SOMEONE ELSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO DO WHAT YOU DO? In a smaller institution, you must be prepared to do everything and solve every problem.
IF YOU WERE GRANTED ONE WISH RELATING TO YOUR JOB/CAREER/ORGANIZATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE? A dedicated benefactor who could provide vision and financial security.
WOULDN’T HAVE MADE IT TO WHERE YOU ARE WITHOUT? My family–beginning with grandparents and parents thru grandchildren.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? A good plan to accomplish a doable task.
WHO WERE/ARE YOUR MENTORS AND HOW DID THEY HELP? Susie Sogord, Polly Lennon, Reid Williamson, Gene Busche, Gracia Meyer Floyd
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN HISTORY? My father and our family trips.
MOST INTERESTING BIT OF INDIANAPOLIS HISTORY YOU’VE ENCOUNTERED? Many beautiful statues, especially Pro Patria
YOU CAN HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE FROM INDIANAPOLIS PAST? WHO & WHY? Caroline Harrison- her life was significant but as a woman, now well known.
YOUR CAREER IN AN ALTERNATE LIFE? Speech therapist & audiology or Traveler/ trip planner
ANY INTERESTING FAMILY CONNECTIONS TO INDIANAPOLIS PAST? Grandparents and great grandparents were residents here.
FAVORITE VIEW IN THE CITY? From Skyline Club or Eagle’s Nest
FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN INDIANAPOLIS? Historic St. Elmo’s- and Columbia Club
FAVORITE CITY BESIDES INDIANAPOLIS? Chicago, Washington DC
FAVORITE HISTORY RELATED BOOK OR MOVIE?“Devil in White City, Lady in White, Gone with the Wind
ULTIMATE BEVERAGE? Glass of wine
COLLECT ANYTHING? Bunnies, plates, White House Historical Christmas ornaments, small boxes
FAVORITE QUOTE? “We can only be said to be alive in these moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”
IF YOUR LIFE HAD A THEME SONG, IT’D BE? “Eagle’s Wings”
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Who do you know and admire who works in history or preservation? Nominate them to be featured here! Please email feedback (at) historicindianapolis (dot) com; we’ll even include you as the nominator if they consent to participate!
