Twisted Preservation is led by Franklin Vagnone, a domestic-archeo-anthropologist who has consulted, lectured and taught internationally at an extensive list of universities, cultural sites, museums, and community-based membership organizations. Seen as an international thought leader in innovative and entrepreneurial non-profit management, Franklin has instituted diverse strategies that transform institutions; encourage innovative thinking that increases operational functionality; engage new audiences; and expand relevancy, attendance and fundraising capacity. In recognition of his sustained work in the museum profession, Franklin was selected for the 2016 Museum Association of New York State – Individual Achievement Award, and the 2020 American Institute of Architects Advocacy Award.
He has co-authored The Anarchist’s Guide to Historic House Museums with Deborah Ryan. The book outlines innovative concepts to assist cultural sites into expanding audiences and re-thinking the visitor experience.
In addition to his consulting, teaching and speaking work through Twisted Preservation, Vagnone is the President and CEO of Old Salem Museums & Gardens (Winston-Salem, North Carolina), and Board member of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums. FULL VITAE
A self-described culture vulture, John Yeagley, VP of Twisted Preservation brings an international perspective to the firm, having lived and worked abroad in places as diverse as Bangalore, Brussels, Moscow, and Barcelona. In addition to his extensive instructional design, research, and project management experience, John provides key logistical support and is fluent in multiple languages, including Russian, French, Spanish, and English. John concentrates his energy on cultural mapping and intangible heritage experiences.
Twisted Preservation Team
The strength of Twisted Preservation Cultural Consulting (TPC) comes from the national team of consultants utilized for the various projects. In choosing unique and forward-looking projects, the team at TPC brings together a myriad of experiences, backgrounds, and ideas.
(Right/Top) Michelle Moon, Research, Food history maven & Author of “Interpreting Food at Museums and Historic Sites” ; (Left/Top) Elon Cook, Research, African American Public History, Genealogist & Race Woman; (Left/Bottom) Meredith Farmer is a professor who writes about Herman Melville, teaches queer theory, blogs about fetish, and rails against the idea of “identity.; (Middle/Bottom) Cedric Benetti, Research, Art & Architectural Historian, and Authart(Bottom/Right) John-Duane Kingsley is a decorative art and design history researcher and curator; “Free” Jeffrey A. Harris, Historian and Preservationist specializing in diversity and historic site interpretation.
Twisted Preservation 