An end of year chat with our collections manager
GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Dec. 29, 2025 – In her time at The War Memorial in 2025, Sarah Kowalski has worked to ensure that The War Memorial’s historical assets are professionally managed, accurately documented, and preserved for future generations.
Thanks to grant funding from the Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity Community Museum Program and the State of Michigan’s America250MI Program, Kowalski serves as The War Memorial’s collections manager.
To end the year, she was interviewed to discuss her role, what’s been accomplished, and plans for 2026.
The War Memorial (TWM): How would you summarize your role?
Sarah Kowalski (SK): My role centers on building and leading The War Memorial’s first collections management program. I have been developing the foundational systems, workflows, and standards needed for responsible stewardship, all aligned with museum best practices.
I lead all major collections projects—including cataloging, documentation, storage upgrades, and the writing and implementation of our Collections Policy—while also providing support for exhibits like the Legacy Wall. I oversee and maintain the collections management system, ensuring accurate record keeping of all artifacts in our collection.
TWM: What was accomplished in 2025?
SK: In 2025, I launched the first fully functional collections management program for The War Memorial. This included implementing CatalogIt and establishing data standards, object records, and long-term workflows. I created essential collections procedures, such as documentation protocols, intake processes, numbering systems, and donor requirements. I also built the institution’s first comprehensive Collections Policy, ensuring a streamlined system of operations. Additionally, I reorganized and rehoused stored artifacts to improve their conditions and long-term preservation.
TWM: What have you learned so far in this role?
SK: In this role, I’ve learned a great deal about The War Memorial’s history, mission, and the depth of its community legacy. The Alger family history alone has been quite interesting to dive into. I’ve also gained insight into the diversity of artifacts in the collection and the stories they represent. The War Memorial is unique in its operations and visitor wayfinding and so I have learned to navigate this to create a framework for collections management that works best for this institution.
TWM: What’s your favorite artifact you’ve come across?
SK: My favorite artifact so far is the Bronze Nymph statue located in the entryway of the Ballroom. The story of this sculpture is quite captivating and a great conversation piece. Over the years, the sculpture was relocated several times, reflecting the evolving spaces and uses of the building. Most notably, it was stolen from the grounds in 2001 and disappeared for years before being discovered by the Detroit Police Department Underwater Recovery Team. After its recovery, it was returned to The War Memorial, where it continues to welcome visitors. The dramatic journey of the Bronze Nymph—and the fact that it eventually made its way back home—makes it a particularly meaningful piece within the collection.
TWM: What's on tap for you in 2026?
SK: I plan to continue expanding our collections management development by further building out CatalogIt with complete, detailed records and improved public access. I aim to advance digitization efforts to enhance internal access and prepare for future public engagement. Strengthening long-term preservation of the house will also be a priority, including storage initiatives and establishing regular condition assessments. We also have plans to upgrade our exhibition spaces for visitors to the museum. Overall, my goal is to ensure the systems I’ve built are strong, sustainable, and will help us to tell the many stories of The War Memorial.
Stay tuned for future programming, and as we continue to preserve and share the stories that shape the Alger family, their contributions to the region, and the influence of our military community.
About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, is a nonprofit cultural and community center dedicated to honoring veterans, enriching lives, and bringing people together through meaningful experiences. For more than 75 years, The War Memorial has welcomed thousands of guests annually for arts and cultural programming, patriotic observances, educational opportunities, community events, and private gatherings across its historic lakefront property.
As a dynamic and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan, The War Memorial remains committed to fostering community engagement through accessible programs that recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans and provide opportunities that spark connection, learning, creativity, and civic engagement. The organization proudly upholds this legacy of service while creating a sense of belonging for everyone from everywhere.
CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Patriotic Programming and Communications Administrator
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org