Meet the Staff
Administrative
The Administrative Department is responsible for
transforming policies into programs that enable the Northern
Indiana 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 Northern Indiana Center for History.
Contact the Administrative Department if you’re interested in:
becoming a member receiving information about the Center for History, its exhibitions and programs making a contribution Administrative Staff
Randy Ray
Executive DirectorMarilyn Thompson
Director of Marketing & Community RelationsKaren Shirk
Director of DevelopmentMarilyn Jurgonski
Finance ManagerTom Rapach
Director of Facilities & Grounds
Curatorial
The
Curatorial Department of the Northern Indiana 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 if you’re interested in:
donating an item to the museum researching information regarding local history ordering reprints of historical photographs Curatorial Staff
David Bainbridge
Senior CuratorJennifer Johns
RegistrarScott Shuler
Archivist
Education
The Education Department of the Northern Indiana 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 and coordinate the museum’s Speakers Bureau. 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 lecture series community programs youth programs Speakers Bureau children’s birthday parties Education Staff
Travis Childs
Director of School ProgramsStephanie McCune
Director of Public ProgramsDeb Neumann
Volunteer and Program CoordinatorMatt Galke
Tour Coordinator
Visitor Services
The Visitor Services Department of the Northern Indiana Center for History welcomes the museum’s visitors, including school and motorcoach groups, facilitates house tours, provides information to visitors and coordinates the museum’s volunteers. The department manages and operates the Museum Store, which features items that relate to current exhibitions and Indiana history. 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 Visitor Services Staff
Ken Cencelewski
Visitor Services ManagerGeorgie Compton
Visitor Services Assistant
