by Dennis Dalman
A new executive director, Amy Degerstrom, has been named to the Stearns History Museum, an appointment that was announced Nov. 7 by the museum’s board of directors.
Degerstrom has a master’s degree in art history and in museum studies from Ohio State University. For the past five years she has worked for the Stearns History Museum, first as development director, then and most recently as interim executive director for many months. The latter job she took on after former director Carie Essig resigned after she was hired by Stride Academy Charter School. Essig had taken over for long-time executive director, Steve Penick, who resigned earlier this year to pursue a new career option.
Degerstrom has had more than 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector.
“I’m excited to begin my new role as executive director,” said Degerstrom. ““I look forward to supporting the good work our excellent staff and volunteers have been doing and to further engage with people in central Minnesota and beyond.”
George Rindelaub, chair of the museum’s board of directors, said that Degerstrom not only has a vast knowledge of history museums but that she is certain to bring a lot of creative energy to her new role.
“She is eager to renew acquaintances and make further connections with the Stearns County community,” he said.
Based in St. Cloud, the Stearns History Museum was founded in 1936. It now has 635 dues-paying members and thousands of visitors. The museum offers a variety of ever-changing exhibits highlighting the cultural, social and economic history of central Minnesota and large archive of documents, newspapers and artifacts. It also hosts educational and entertaining events, historical re-enactments and is a popular deposit for people far and wide seeking details about their ancestry.
