No, the paranormal investigation didn’t scare her away. Log House Museum director Andrea Mercado told us when we saw her during that event a week ago that a long commute is one of the reasons she would soon be announcing her departure. The official announcement comes in a news release just sent by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society – read on:

After four years as director and four years as collections and volunteer manager of the Log House Museum of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, Andrea Mercado will leave the museum, effective Monday, Nov. 1.

Stepping in as museum manager will be Sarah Frederick, the museum’s collections manager. “For the past three years, Sarah has been a steady presence at the museum,” says Judy Bentley, president of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, “and she will have increased responsibilities during this transitional period.”

Frederick holds a bachelor’s degree in U.S. history and a certificate in museum studies from Indiana University, Indianapolis. She is enrolled in the fundraising management certificate program at the University of Washington.

Prior to her move to Seattle, Frederick worked at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for four years. She worked on the construction and installation of the Dino-Sphere Gallery and the Chihuly Fireworks of Glass exhibit, which included the permanent installation of a 43-foot tower of Chihuly glass.

For the past three years at the Log House Museum, Frederick has handled volunteer management, artifact processing, bicycle tours and membership matters.

Frederick looks forward to continuing her work at the museum. “I love learning new facets to the story of the Duwamish peninsula from our members, donors, volunteers and visitors,” she says. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to share these stories and a great responsibility to preserve them.”

Mercado, who has worked closely with Frederick, has served as an engaging and energetic leader for the museum, Bentley says. Her departure stems from the move she and her family made recently to Poulsbo.

“Andrea’s many talents — as spokesperson to the community and advocate for historic preservation, as tour leader and educator, as docent and historical research consultant, as interpreter of the community’s heritage, as manager of a 106-year-old log structure — will be greatly missed,” Bentley says.

Mercado will remain a backer of the museum. “It’s a great place for learning and an easy organization to support,” Mercado says. “I will still be an advocate for Duwamish peninsula history – just from afar!”

For more information on the Log House Museum and the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, call 206-938-5293 or visit www.loghousemuseum.info.