The Deschutes Historical Society has hired a new manager, Kelly Cannon-Miller, who will be responsible for managing the daily activities of the museum. Cannon-Miller will begin her job on Wednesday, March 1.
Cannon-Miller has Bachelors and Masters degrees in History from Portland State University. She has significant museum programming and artifact collections experience from Bend’s High Desert Museum. Cannon-Miller has also taught Introduction to Museum Studies, an upper level anthropology course, at the University of Oregon.
“I’m very excited to join the Deschutes County Historical Society. Following Bend’s centennial celebrations, I look forward to keeping the Society an active partner in preserving and promoting the history of Central Oregon. The Historical Society and Center is a tremendous resource to Central Oregonians, longtime residents and newcomers alike,” Cannon-Miller said.
An experienced public historian, Cannon-Miller’s background in the museum profession began in artifact collections care and has grown to include exhibit and event planning and management; long-range interpretive planning; grant writing and fundraising; educational programming; and donor relationship building.
“The Deschutes County Historical Society is very pleased to hire such an impressive candidate for the manager position. Imperative to the significant growth of the region, we are confident that Kelly will be effective in taking the Historical Center to its next level of excellence,” said Jon Sholes, President of the Historical Society.
Cannon-Miller will work especially towards building Museum memberships and increase the Museum’s volunteer base. She will help the Society apply for grants, and will create new fundraising opportunities and events.
The Deschutes Historical Society was incorporated on August 4, 1975. By November of that year, 144 members were ready to carry out the established purpose of the organization-“To gather, preserve, and make available museum, library and other historical material relating to the history of Central Oregon.”
The Des Chutes Historical Center, 129 NW Idaho Ave in Bend, is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00am to 4:30pm. For more information about Historical Center donations, volunteering, memberships, or for Museum tours, please call 389-1813.
