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.

Mike Comfort: Director

Mike Comfort is the director of the Masonic Library and Museum of PA, where his responsibilities include managing museum displays, administering the on-site gift shop, filling website orders, conducting tours and heading monument restoration projects at Valley Forge National Military Park. Previously, Comfort worked in newspaper retail advertising sales for 37 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and advertising from Temple University. Comfort’s love for history and collecting has influenced his devotion to historical and genealogical research. In his spare time, he enjoys collecting a wide variety of antiques that he has on display in his restored Victorian home. An active leader among the Boy Scouts of America for more than 50 years, he has published seven books related to the local history of scouting. Comfort is a member of Melita Lodge No. 295, Philadelphia.

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.

John Minott: Tour Guide

John Minott serves as one of the Masonic Library and Museum of PA’s skilled tour guides. He has brought the Masonic Temple to life for visitors, both local and international, for over 30 years. Minott earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Stanford University and a master’s degree in international studies from Oregon State University. Previously, he worked in the archives at the University of Oregon. Minott can be found reading an array of subjects from anthropology and history to English mysteries. He is a member of Lodge No. 2, Philadelphia.

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.