Administrative Staff

The Administrative Department is responsible for transforming policies into programs that enable the Center for History to achieve its mission “to collect, preserve, interpret, exhibit, and teach the heritage of the St. Joseph River Valley region to enrich present and future generations.” The department oversees operations, development, membership, marketing, human resources, facilities and grounds, and accounting for the Center for History. Contact the Administrative Department if you’re interested in:

• Becoming a member
• Receiving information about the Center for History, it exhibitions and programs
• Making a contribution

Randy Ray

Executive Director

Marilyn Thompson

Director of Marketing & Community Relations

Amanda Miller

Director of Development

Brianne Smith

Marketing Assistant

Marilyn Jurgonski

Finance Manager

Tom Rapach

Director of Facilities & Grounds

Curatorial Staff

The Curatorial Department of the Center for History collects and preserves artifacts, documents and photographs that chronicle the history of the St. Joseph River Valley region. Responsible for creating exhibitions that interpret local history, the department also serves as sources of information and assists with research. Contact the Curatorial Department is you’re interested in:

• Donating an item to the museum
• Researching information regarding local history
• Ordering reprints of historical photographs

David Bainbridge

Senior Curator

Barbara Whiteman

Exhibits Coordinator

Kristi Dunn

Registrar

Kristie Erickson

Special Project Curator

Archives

Kristen Madden

Education Staff

The Education Department of the Center for History presents innovative programs which connect historical events with people’s everyday lives. Highlighting the museum’s collections, exhibitions and historic houses, the department provides the community with information about local history as well as contemporary issues. The education staff creates programs for schools, youth and the community. They serve as consultants to teachers who plan curriculum related to the St. Joseph River Valley history. Teachers, librarians, civic, cultural, social and neighborhood organizations and activity directors are some of the groups served by the Education Department.

Contact the Education Department if you’re interested in information about the Center for History’s:

• Kidsfirst Children’s Museum
• School tours
• Group tours
• Public programs
• Youth programs
• Local or state history questions

Travis Childs

Director of School Programs

Director of Public Programs

Volunteer and Program Coordinator

Bridget Albert

Tour Coordinator

Visitors Services Staff

The Visitor Services Department of the Center for History welcomes the museum’s visitors, including school and motorcoach groups, facilitates house tours, and provides information to visitors. The coordination of the museum’s facility rentals, including weddings and other private events, as well as corporate receptions and meetings, is also overseen by this department. Contact Visitor Services if you’re interested in:

• Hours, admission rates and directions
• Becoming a volunteer
• Items in the museum store
• Renting the facility for weddings or corporate events

Ken Cencelewski

Director of Visitor Services and Facility Rentals

Georgie Compton

Visitor Services Assistant