Des Plaines History Center hires new executive director

The Board of Trustees of the Des Plaines History Center is pleased to announce the hiring of Kurt Begalka as our new Executive Director. Begalka comes to the History Center after leading the McHenry County Historical Society & Museum, in Union, IL, for the past 11 years. He was on the Board of Naturally McHenry County for more than eight years, and is currently a Board member of the W.A. McConnell Foundation, a nonprofit organization that protects and promotes the history of Richmond, IL.

“We are thrilled that Kurt has accepted the Executive Director position here at the Des Plaines History Center,” said Stan Kotecki, Board Vice President. “We interviewed a number of very strong candidates, and Kurt’s experience in managing and leading organizations like ours was unmatched. He is clearly the right person to continue the important work that the History Center does in Des Plaines and our surrounding communities.”

In addition to managing and expanding the History Center staff of dedicated curators, Begalka will be responsible for community outreach, creating strategic and practical ways to involve residents of all ages in programs and events, and developing a comprehensive sustainability plan for the Education Center and the Kinder House Museum.

“It’s truly an honor to have been chosen to lead the History Center. It’s a well-known and respected organization in the museum community, and I look forward to continuing the work, increasing awareness, and making both the Center and the Kinder House an integral part of the beautiful development work being done by the City in downtown Des Plaines.”

The current Des Plaines Historical Society was established in 1967. It collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Des Plaines and its people, and provides access to those resources through exhibits, educational programs, and research facilities. Many of the programs and events are free for families, children, and adults. Donations and memberships are cheerfully encouraged. More information about the Education Center and the Kinder House Museum is available at www.DesPlainesHistory.org.