Des Plaines History Center Announces New Executive Director

Philip Mohr, current Senior Curator and Acting Director, has been appointed the new Executive Director of the Des Plaines History Center. The center's board made the final decision on the evening of Wednesday, May 9. Philip Mohr brings a wealth of education and relevant experience to his new role. He earned a B.A. in History from Westminster College in the city of Fulton in his native state of Missouri. In Fulton, he completed an internship at the National Churchill Museum. Mohr then relocated to Charleston, Illinois to attend Eastern Illinois University and earned two separate degrees: a Master of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Historical Administration. Director Mohr's personal areas of focus are the history of written communication, Western music theory & culture, post-Civil War agrarianism, and American Architecture. During his time at E.I.U., he worked at the Booth Library and the Illinois Regional Archives Depository.

Philip Mohr was first hired at the Des Plaines History Center by former Executive Director Shari Caine in September 2013. His first job was as the Collections and Programs Coordinator. He proved to be a dutiful employee and went on to work in the positions of Curator, Senior Curator, and Acting Director. Mohr became Acting Director after then-Executive Director Shari Caine passed away suddenly from cancer in March 2018. Mr. Mohr describes his experience at the History Center: "I am so sad Shari's illness took her away from us. She was a dear friend and mentor. I have been glad to work at the Des Plaines History Center for the past several years, and I'm honored that the trustees believe I can keep the museum moving forward. I look forward to everything the staff and I can do to carry on favorite traditions and serve the community in new ways." Mark Thompson, President of the Des Plaines History Center Board, comments on Mohr's recent appointment: "Philip has developed a thorough knowledge of the History Center and the Des Plaines community. He has strong relationships with staff and our dedicated volunteers, donors, and community partners. Philip's enthusiasm and energy are contagious and will help him be an effective leader and ambassador for the History Center." The History Center collects, preserves, and presents the history of Des Plaines to enrich local cultural heritage through educational and community engagements. The History Center operates the Kinder House museum, presents annual exhibits, provides public programs, and is supported by the Des Plaines Park District, the City of Des Plaines, members, and donors. For more information, visit www.desplaineshistory.org or call 847-391-5399.