MCPA Directors
Christian Rousset, (Master: Craftsman, Carpenter, Stone Mason, Artisan, Sculptor) – Project Manager
His life long interest in historical sites led him to the restoration of Monasteries, Churches, Cathedrals, and Castles throughout Europe. He is a stone and wood sculptor, mason and brick layer specialist. With his family, he relocated to California from France, started his own custom homes building company, servicing the 24\680 Highway corridor. After 47 years of enjoying this wonderful trade he is currently half retired. He is overseeing the reconstruction of the Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center Wheat House, a Pleasant Hill registered historic site from 1864.
Della Washington, MSLS, MSCJ – Secretary & Legal Advisor
As an original founding member of the Potter's Field Restoration Project and one of its uber-volunteers, Della has the great honor of now being a MCPA founder and board director. Her motivation stems from the MCPA's support of the Alhambra Pioneer Cemetery as a significant outdoor museum for the community of Martinez and future generations to come. With her Masters in Science of Legal Studies, she supports the MCPA as a legal adviser.
Joseph Palmer, CMT – MCPA President, Underground Echoes Blog
Joseph has extensive experience working with over 20 charities, the honor of being elected board director for 11, founder of five, president of four, while serving on or as chair of various committees along the way. He inherited his commitment to public involvement, interest in history, archaeology, anthropology, and more from his maternal grandfather (a professional historian and genealogist) and father (a former history teacher). Founding the MCPA is the culmination of all his life's work, studies, and interests, while also utilizing his theater training, therapist background, and research skills to help tell the stories of those that have come before.
Judie Palmer, CHt – Treasurer, Underground Echoes Blog & Genealogist
As a descendant of immigrants that settled on the East Coast, Judie thoroughly enjoyed researching and visiting locations with deep American roots. She made many visits to Germonds Cemetery, NY with her family to visit her ancestors and tend their graves. Even her two honeymoons -- one on the New England coast and the other in Bath, England -- were steeped in historical discovery. With the Potter's Field Project, Judie refueled her passion for tending graves and researching new stories about Potter's Field decedents. As an empathic genealogist, she is currently restoring the Alhambra Cemetery decedent lists and finds great joy in assisting descendant's search for their loved ones, while also giving their ancestors a voice. She is also the Find-A-Grave memorial manager to approximately two-thirds of the Alhambra Cemetery.
Shauna Mundt, MA, RPA – Vice President, Lead Archaeologist
Historical Archaeologist with extensive knowledge and experience in mid-19th to mid-20th century America. Shauna has a BA in Anthropology from UC Berkeley, an MA in Applied Anthropology from San Jose State, and is a Registered Professional Archaeologist. She currently works as an archaeologist and lab technician at a cultural resources management firm in Berkeley. Shauna is passionate about preserving the history and culture of California and the U.S.