Erik has a long history with canoes. He is a master birchbark canoe builder, and has taken some epic canoe journeys. Erik has also led many instructional projects in affiliation with the Ely, Folk School. Eric lives between the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness and Lake Superior.

Travis has long been imbued with canoes, having traveled many rivers in the US West. He loves the Northwoods and its canoeing heritage as well. He has deep respect for Minnesota’s Canoe history and culture, from the ongoing leadership of native peoples with canoe construction to the great craftspersonship of today’s individual builders and local canoe companies in the area. He has led the nonprofit Willamette Riverkeeper for 23 years, where he has also helped to advance canoeing and kayaking throughout the Northwest.

Madeline loves canoe country, and worked for Save the Boundary Waters for several years. She is an avid outdoors person, and is an experienced first responder.

Gail has deep experience with canoeing and the BWCA. She and her family have an historic cabin on Birch Lake, and she and her family spend as much time as possible there. Gail and her family are long-time owners of the Minnetonka General Store, just outside of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Gail brings a wealth of business and non profit experience to the Minnesota Canoe Museum.

Erica fell in love with canoeing and the BWCA during high school. She was able to take two long voyages during her formative years which sealed her connection to these amazing human-powered craft. Erica also brings a wealth of non-profit fundraising experience to the MCM, from her time working for Trout Unlimited, to her consulting work. She and her husband spend as much time as possible at a small, dry cabin south of Ely.

John was the founder of the Canoe Museum, and was a professional accountant. He has a deep affinity for canoe culture, and canoe country. John lends his considerable financial accounting experience to the MCM.