The Osceola County Historical Society Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Dawn Snell as Interim Executive Director of the 66-year-old Osceola History.
“Dawn brings a strong vision for the future, a deep understanding of museum operations, and a genuine passion for preserving Osceola County’s history,” a release from the agency said Friday.
Dawn joined the organization in 2022 and has been its Activities and Outreach Manager and, most recently, Assistant Director. She succeeds Kimberly Murray, who is retiring after serving in the executive role since 2018.
“Her work has been instrumental in enhancing public programming, strengthening community partnerships, and leading improvements at Pioneer Village and the Welcome Center & History Museum,” Osceola History said. “Her combined academic training and hands-on experience make her well-positioned to guide Osceola History through this new chapter.”
Dawn holds a Master of Science in Museum Leadership from Drexel University and a Bachelor’s in Visual Arts Education from the University of Toledo.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dawn Snell into the role of Interim Executive Director,” said Stacy McCland, current Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her commitment to Osceola County, her forward-thinking ideas, and her collaborative leadership style make her the ideal person to lead the organization at this time. We are confident she will continue to elevate our mission and bring fresh energy to our work.”
Osceola History, formerly known as the Osceola County Historical Society, was founded in 1949 with a mission to properly preserve artifacts and publish articles that would ensure Osceola County’s heritage lives on for years to come. The organization operates the Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum and the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, welcoming over 17,000 visitors annually, with a mission statement to “Collect, preserve, and share the County’s history, promoting the area’s cultural and natural heritage.”