Renfrew Announces Christopher Brang as Manager of Mill Operations
Renfrew Museum and Park is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Brang as Manager of Mill Operations, a new position created to support the operation and programming of Renfrew’s newly constructed Renfrew Mill Interpretive Center.
“The completion of the Renfrew Mill Interpretive Center will have a profound impact on Renfrew’s ability to provide memorable experiences to our community members and visitors alike. Not only will we have the ability to offer increased hands-on programs and exhibits, but we will also open its doors for community members to host their own private events and celebrations,” said Ashley Sonntag, Executive Director of Renfrew Museum and Park. “Christopher brings a unique set of skills and experience that make him the perfect candidate for establishing a sound foundation of programming and operations at this one-of-a-kind facility at the heart of Renfrew.”
The Renfrew Mill Interpretive Center is an important addition to Renfrew Museum and Park’s historic landscape. As Manager of Mill Operations, Brang will oversee not only the daily operation of the Gristmill but also bring the building to life as a place where visitors can explore the skills, machinery, agriculture, and industries that shaped our region. His responsibilities will include working with Renfrew staff, volunteers, and community partners to lead mill tours, provide demonstrations, host field trips, conduct special seasonal programs, and supervise events through private rental in this special space. The position will also support the ongoing care of the Mill Complex, including its buildings, collections, machinery, grounds, waterwheel, Pump House, Royer Mill Ruins, and the Luty Family Memorial Garden (coming summer 2027).
“We look forward to Chris becoming an integral part of the Renfrew team,” added Sonntag. “There are so many great things on the horizon at Renfrew. We hope our community joins us on this journey as we explore our shared history in many new and exciting ways.”
Brang brings a background in historic agriculture, milling, machinery, and public interpretation to the position. He has spent more than two decades as a living historian, both in paid and volunteer positions, accumulating experience operating, maintaining, and interpreting antique farm and industrial machinery. Since 2019, he has operated a living history organization focused on demonstrating historic farming and milling practices and personally maintains a hobby farm where he applies historic agricultural practices and cares for horses, gardens, and the surrounding property. He has also been a dedicated volunteer with Renfrew since 2023, participating in historic equipment displays, milling demonstrations, and assisting with agricultural equipment research, which he will continue into his new role as Renfrew staff.
"I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to join Renfrew Museum and Park and be the first to take on the role of Manager of Mill Operations,” said Brang. “I look forward to sharing my passions for history, agriculture, and equipment with the Waynesboro community, and our visitors, as we develop these new experiences together.”
About Renfrew Museum and Park
Renfrew Museum and Park is a historic Pennsylvania farmstead located in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, on 107 acres along the East Branch of Antietam Creek. For more than 50 years, Renfrew has preserved and interpreted the agricultural, architectural, industrial, and cultural heritage of the region through its historic buildings, collections, programs, and educational experiences. Renfrew welcomes visitors year-round to explore its historic landscape and learn about the people, places, and traditions that shaped our community. For more information about Renfrew Museum and Park, its historic resources, programs, and upcoming events, visit www.renfrewmuseum.org.
