Docents and Volunteers

Alfonso’s maritime background goes back several generations. Alfonso Duncan’s ancestors settled in Columbia after decades of sailing between Scotland and Columbia. One of our multi-lingual docents, Alfonso speaks English, German, and Spanish fluently.

Age Ranges: Adult, Senior
Areas of Expertise:

Burton “Burt” Reckles is a long-time docent and supporter with Houston Maritime Center. Burt has been building models since he was a child and after years of building kit models then scratch models, Burt’s wife requested that he downsize his hobby or buy a bigger house and Burt chose to learn how to miniature his hobby. For over 30 years Burt has been creating amazing models inside bottles including the La Belle, utilizing a piece of wood from the original La Belle, a model of our original location on Dorrington Street, and a ‘model’ model, used to show tour groups how ships in bottles are made. Burt now has models in museums across the globe and has won numerous awards for his work.

Age Ranges: Adult, Senior
Areas of Expertise: Maritime history, ship model building, ships in bottles

Milt received his Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and an MBA from the University of Denver. His career began in the military, serving for 4 years with the United States Coast Guard as a deck officer and is a Vietnam Veteran. Milt has over 40 years in the marine industry, holding positions in operations, engineering, and senior management, in both the Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) industry and the harbor tug industry.

Age Ranges: Child, youth, adult, senior
Areas of Expertise: Maritime history, Maritime navigation

Steve Dittrich has a passion for World War II history. His family history has ties to both sides of the war and he was always interested in the on and off-shore history of the war. Growing up on Long Island, Steve was around marinas and the maritime industry all the time. Steve received a master’s degree in geology and worked in the oil and gas field, studying the fossilized organisms that make up oil and gas.

Throughout his career Steve taught at multiple universities and colleges, once teaching 5 different classes, 4 different subjects at 2 different locations, making him what he likes to call a “roads” scholar due to all the driving he did during this time of his life. Now, Steve is retired and lives with his wife. He has two grown daughters and spends most of his time learning and studying, making him incredibly knowledgeable about maritime history.

Age Ranges: Adult, Senior
Areas of Expertise: WWII, Maritime History

Peter’s career started in the United States Coast Guard as an officer specializing in Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection. Peter stuck with environmental protection, working with Mobil and Exxon Mobil, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard throughout his career as an Officer, Commander, and Third Mate. Peter’s career took him through the East/Gulf Coast and South America, including through the Panama Canal. Although retired, Peter keeps busy volunteering with the Bayou Land Conservancy, Houston Early Music, Montgomery County Food Bank, and the Houston Maritime Center.

Age Ranges: Child, Youth, Adult, Senior
Areas of Expertise: Navigation, Environmental Protection, Oil and Gas

Despite being the only docent without a maritime background, Whit brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for history to every tour. A graduate of land-locked Texas A&M University (Class of 1970), he went on to earn a Master’s degree in Administration (Finance) from Chapman University in 1975 and became a licensed Professional Engineer in 1980. Commissioned into the U.S. Air Force upon graduation, he served as an operational pilot for eight years, flying B-52D bombers with the Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam era. Following his military service, he spent 27 years in the engineering and construction industry. As a lifelong enthusiast of history – especially military history – he brings energy, curiosity, and a touch of humor to the museum experience. He has twice been honored by receiving the award for “Most Humorous Tour.”

Age Ranges: Adult, Senior
Areas of Expertise: History Enthusiast and Storyteller

Roald Lokken has had a long career in the maritime industry. Starting as a naval architect, Roald’s career took him through a wide range of activities supporting the development of offshore oil and gas projects around the world for ExxonMobil. He is well versed in naval architecture, floating oil and gas rigs, and offshore drilling. Now retired, Roald spends his free time volunteering for the Houston Maritime Center, the Society of Naval Architects, and the Offshore Technology Conference, sailing and kayaking, and exploring the history of boats and ships.

Age Ranges: Adult, Senior
Areas of Expertise: Offshore Drilling

Pete is a retired Quality, Safety, and Environmental Management System consultant, trainer, and auditor with over 50 years in the maritime industry. A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Adelphi University, he spent three decades with Texaco Marine before founding Maritime Quality Consultants, Inc. in 1995, where he advised a wide range of maritime organizations for 24 years. A passionate supporter of maritime history, Pete has visited and photographed more than 100 lighthouses worldwide and written numerous book reviews for The Ensign. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Maritime and Naval Studies at SUNY Maritime College, researching the history of the Houston Maritime Museum and its founder, James Manzolillo.

Age Ranges: Adult, Senior
Areas of Expertise: Oil Tankers, Maritime Safety, Industry, Maritime History