New Museum Director, Dec. 17

The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) announced today that Helen B Louise has been selected for the position of Museum Director. Louise is currently serving as the Museum Director of the Wyoming State Museum, where she has been since Aug ust of 2011. She previously spent four years as the Museum Director of the South Dakota State Historical Society. Louise will assume her new responsibilities at OHS on February 23, 2015. A Pacific Northwest native, Louise earned a BA in Anthropology from the University of Washington and a MA in Museum Studies from the State University of New York-Oneonta. As Museum Director of the Wyoming State Museum, Louise has led a redesign and modernization of the entire museum, and has been credited with bringing the institution into the 21st century. Louise will work closely with OHS Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk in determining the museum’s exhibition schedule. “I am delighted that Helen has agreed to bring her tremendous enthusiasm, experience, and record of success to the Oregon Historical Society,” said Tymchuk. “The museum and collections of OHS are priceless assets, and they will be in very capable hands.” “I look forward to working with an organization that is so well respected by the staff, the board, and the community,” said Louise. “Being a part of the Oregon Historical Society and its talented, enthusiastic, and highly professional staff will be a real pleasure.”