VEAs on Engaging Visitors & Expanding Comprehension

Andrew Wineman and Jordan Cerone are Visitor Engagement Associates at the Museum. In their role as frontline staff, they guide tours and engage the public. Andrew Wineman is a retired art history and English teacher from Media, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a docent at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He has been with the Museum since its opening in 2017. Jordan Cerone is a native Philadelphian, a Gettysburg College graduate, and a freelance journalist. Cerone joined the Museum in 2024.

As one of the longest-serving VEAs at the Museum, Wineman is well-versed in how we engage visitors to personalize and elevate their experience. Discover how VEAs propel our mission to share compelling stories about the American Revolution through this interview between Jordan and Andrew and what drew them to this line of work.

Jordan: What drew you to working at the Museum of the American Revolution?

Andrew: After I retired from teaching, I gave historic walking tours around Philadelphia. I watched this building going up, and it announced itself as the Museum of the American Revolution. I decided that when they’re looking for people, I am going to be one of those people. As soon as I could, I applied for a position. I interviewed with some lovely people who decided that my museum and teaching background were a nice combination. I have not looked back; this has been a delightful place.

Jordan: What has working here taught you about the American Revolution that you didn't know before?

Andrew: Even though my high school experience is much further back, growing up in the northeast, I don’t remember learning about the battles in Charleston and Savannah, any of the events taking place in the South, or the reason why the war would move there. That was all new to me. I’ve learned more about seafaring and weapons than I ever knew before.

Jordan: Tell me about your most memorable experience working as a VEA?

Andrew: A couple of times, I’ve been on the sloop doing the sea chest presentation. I take out the log line and demonstrate how it works. I’ll explain that log lines measure a ship’s speed, showcasing those little pieces of leather tied into knots. I’ve had people gasp around me, saying, “I’ve heard those words before, but I never made the connection!” That “aha” moment is awesome.

Jordan: How do you interact with visitors who know very little about the Revolution?

Andrew: I enjoy the international guests who know the least. It forces me to do this mental exercise, where I can’t assume that they’ve heard of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, or Congress. Without being able to make those assumptions, I’ve had people ask me fundamental questions about American government and our history that force me to go back to the ABCs.