Bios

Rebekah Hecht: Author, Producer, Designer, Interviewer

Rebekah is a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Springfield.  This podcast began as a part of her thesis project for her Public History Masters.  She has been out to White Shoal Light three times: in October 2018 while on her honeymoon with her husband, David; in July 2019 for an overnight volunteer trip; and in September 2019, once again as an overnight volunteer.  In October 2020, she participated in a ceremony honoring White Shoal Light’s longest serving keeper, George Keller.  Rebekah works as an assistant manager at the University of Illinois at Springfield Performing Arts Center.  She is a proud fur-mama to her senior Pomeranian dog, Bear, and three obnoxious cats, Jimothy, Luci, and Beanie.  She is thankful for the opportunity to work with White Shoal Light Historical Preservation Society on this project and is grateful for all the friends she has made on this adventure!

David Hecht: Assistant

As Rebekah’s husband, David has been involved in this project from the beginning. He has been on the light station three times, once to visit in 2018 and twice to volunteer in 2019. Throughout this project he has accompanied Rebekah to interviews, on research trips, and researched the station on his own. His Bachelor of Arts focusing on Theater from the University of Illinois at Springfield, as well as his work as a stagehand at the UIS Performing Arts Center, has provided David with the background knowledge to help with renovation on White Shoal Light. David also has a passion for all things boats, especially sailing, and hopes he will one day be able to work on the Great Lakes.

Special Thanks: to Amy Cantrall-Frye for reviewing the website to let me know of any knowledge gaps left and to Bob Stockwell for editing codes, troubleshooting pages, and lending equipment when needed.