BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A local museum hopes to kick off 2024 with a new chief executive officer.
The National Museum of Industrial History, or NMIH, is looking for a new executive director.
The museum, which is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, launched the public search on Dec. 1.
The museum is located in the former Bethlehem Steel electrical department. Its longtime executive director, Kara Mohsinger, stepped down in August.
Mohsinger, who was CEO of NMIH since 2017, left to become chief financial officer of United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley.
NMIH's curator of collections, Andria Zaia, is serving as interim executive director.
"NMIH is excited to invite interested candidates to share their interest, whether from right here in Bethlehem or beyond. As you can appreciate, we are unable to speak to specific applicants but eagerly look forward to meeting many from the profession as we transition to the museum’s next chapter."NMIH Board Chairman Charles Marcon
"NMIH is excited to invite interested candidates to share their interest, whether from right here in Bethlehem or beyond," NMIH Board Chairman Charles Marcon said.
"As you can appreciate, we are unable to speak to specific applicants but eagerly look forward to meeting many from the profession as we transition to the museum’s next chapter."
The job is posted online and the board of directors will start reviewing applications Jan. 2.
The job description says the museum seeks applicants who can provide leadership, strategic direction, administrative management and fundraising and stakeholder stewardship to fulfill NMIM's mission.
Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree with graduate studies, or demonstrated experience in museum management or another field relevant to NMIH's mission and activities.
What's coming in 2024
In February, NMIH was awarded $500,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanitiesas part of its infrastructure and capacity building challenge grant.
The funding stream is focused on capital projects, including the construction of an open-air space that can be rented out for private parties, weddings and other meetings and conventions.
The grant money, plus other funding, also will be used to renovate the second floor of the museum, which will double the size of the space.
Current exhibitions include several Christmas workshops on S.T.E.A.M. “Snowflake Adventures” and tin melting and its main attraction, “New and Improved! The Age of Convenience in the Home." The home exhibition examines how locals reimagined the "American Dream" post-World War ll until the late 70s.National Museum of Industrial History website
Additionally, NMIH previously got $1 million that was put toward insulating the windows and roof, along with the installation of staircases and elevators.
Since opening more than seven years ago, NMIH has relied heavily on state and local funding for projects such as the completion of Foundry Park and the acquisition of a 113-ton steam engine.
Current exhibitions include several Christmas workshops on S.T.E.A.M. “Snowflake Adventures” and tin melting and its main attraction, “New and Improved! The Age of Convenience in the Home."
The home exhibition examines how locals reimagined the "American Dream" post-World War ll until the late 70s.
For more information on NMIH, click here.
