Meet the Team

Michael McKee: Executive Director

Michael McKee has served as the executive director of the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania since October 2018, responsible for overseeing and leading its operations. Previously, McKee worked as the executive director of operations and compliance for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Peirce College, along with an executive MBA from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. He served in Operation Desert Storm during his enlistment with the U.S. Air Force from 1988-1992. Motivated by his daily work, McKee enjoys meeting visitors from all over the world as he shares the art and architecture of the Masonic Temple. In his free time, he paints, spends time with family and plays unique instruments he’s collected from around the world, including Tibetan singing bowls, an Australian didgeridoo and an African thumb piano. McKee is a member of Jerusalem Lodge No. 506, Philadelphia.

Rick S. Freedman: Director

Rick S. Freedman is the director of the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum in Philadelphia. He provides managerial support and direction for museum and library operations and assists with the development and execution of various projects, including dedications and exhibits. In addition, he oversees the gift shop. He is responsible for managing and supervising employees, including the librarian, curator, archivist, tour guides, docents and volunteers. Prior to joining the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum, Freedman served as senior director/vice president at an accounts receivable management firm, where he managed corporate state and employee licensing, corporate insurance, compliance and risk management. He studied communications and theater at Temple University in Philadelphia. A Past Master of Williamson-Corinthian Lodge No. 368, Philadelphia and Palestine-Roxborough Lodge No. 135 in Lafayette Hill, Freedman serves as Senior Grand Deacon for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. He also serves on the Masonic Youth Foundation Board of Managers, among other appointments.

 

Stephanie Desjardins: Librarian

Stephanie Desjardins is the librarian for the Masonic Library and Museum of PA. Her responsibilities include assisting with research and genealogical requests, care and preservation of the collection and the circulating library for Pennsylvania Freemasons. Prior to her new role, Desjardins was a Library & Museum Associate since May 2022, assisting with tours, research, the front desk and working closely with the librarian and archivist. She obtained bachelor’s degrees in English and history from the University of New Hampshire and is currently enrolled in Drexel University’s master’s in Information program for Library Science. She enjoys reading, tea, scenic walks, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Carly Sewell: Archivist

Carly Sewell is the archivist for the Masonic Temple Library & Museum. Prior to coming here, Sewell was the technical services librarian for three years at Eastern University in Saint Davids, Pennsylvania. Her new role includes organizing the archives and doing catalog work. Sewell earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the former Cabrini University [now owned by Villanova University]. She has a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Drexel University. Sewell lives in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, with her dog, Toasty. Among her many hobbies is going surfing at the shore over the summer, listening to music, tap dancing and going to Broadway shows when she can!

Bill Boharsik: Director of Maintenance

Bill Boharsik is the director of maintenance at the Masonic Temple. He also helps with security, payroll and information technology. He has worked at the Masonic Temple for the last 29 years, five of them as director of maintenance. Previously, Boharsik worked as a building mechanic at the Salvation Army headquarters. Boharsik enjoys his job at the Temple because it’s a unique space. “The building is original,” he said. “There are only three [Masonic] buildings like this in the world, in Sweden, England and here. It’s exciting to be a part of it.” Boharsik encourages people to visit the Temple and experience history. “The entire building is a museum, not just the museum itself. In his free time, he enjoys all the Philadelphia sports teams, as well as UFC fighting. Boharsik is a member of Houseman Lodge No. 211 in Bucks County.

Emily Staroscik: Museum Associate

Emily Staroscik is a museum associate at the Masonic Library and Museum. She has worked at the Masonic Temple since 2021; previously on the maintenance team before moving to the museum team. Staroscik earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture. She also has a concentration in glass blowing from Tyler. Staroscik currently lives in Germantown and was a competitive swimmer who still enjoys the sport. Her favorite thing about the Temple is the wooden catwalk above the rooms. She hopes people who come on her tours will try to find the “purposeful mistakes” in the rooms. “It feels like a scavenger hunt,” she said. “I’ve had people on my tour point out where the mistakes are to me. It’s usually teenagers and pre-teens. They have better eyesight!”

Lee Martin: Museum Associate

Lee Martin serves as museum associate for the Masonic Library and Museum of PA. His responsibilities include working at the front desk and gift shop, giving tours and helping to curate exhibits. Martin is an avid fan of science fiction writing and enjoys attending conventions.