Meet the Team
Building a team of exceptional people is key to our success. We take pride in the enthusiasm, motivation and focus of our staff, our vision and our values. Our team delivers first class exhibits, events and experiences with a personal approach.
Kellen Hinrichsen
Executive Director
Daniel Moeckly
Archives, Exhibits & Technology Manager
Dan graduated from Iowa State University in 2004 with a Double Degree in Philosophy and History. Dan interned at the Owatonna Arts Center with Silvan Durben. He established their collection management systems and worked on exhibit fabrication and installation. In 2007, Dan was contracted by both the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum as an Administrative Assistant and the Steele County Historical Society as a casual contract archivist. In 2012 he left the orphanage museum to accept full time employment at the SCHS.
MaryAnne Higgins
Volunteer, Tour & Events Manager
MaryAnne has spent her career working in the recreation field where she gained experience working with children and adults. She attended Winona State University and has a B.A. in Recreation and Leisure Studies. MaryAnne has been an active member in the Owatonna community volunteering in numerous organizations, mentoring YSL students and was on the planning committee to help with the development of Owatonna High School Options program. Through these various experiences, she has honed her skills working with others and leading by example. She was nominated for the Owatonna Business Women 2015 Woman of Achievement Award.
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Deb Lustig, President
Samona Grubish, Vice President
Jerry Ganfield, Treasurer
Jane Middlestadt, Secretary
Char Ost, Member At Large
Dan Gorman, Member At Large
Board Members
Elizabeth Anselmo
Dave Effertz
Annie Granlund
James Gunderson
Ken Henricksen
Keith Holman
Jerry Lewison
Andrew McGuire
Deanna Nelson
County Commissioner Liaison
Rick Gnemi
Kellen graduated from Penn State University in 2006 with a degree in Anthropology. Originally working as an archaeologist, his interests quickly switched to museum work. He graduated from the University of Denver in 2013 with his MA in Museum Studies and Anthropology. Since graduating, he has managed the Amache Historical Society Museum, the Dallas Holocaust Museum, been employed by the Durham Museum in Omaha Nebraska as their Associate Curator, and most recently acted as the Executive Director at the Warren County Historical Society and Museum in Monmouth, Illinois. Kellen has a passion for history and loves to share that love with others. His primary focus at the Steele County History Museum will be building relationships with local organizations and businesses, ensuring the continued financial stability of the museum, and working to increase the visibility and availability of the society to the community.