Just over a month into his tenure as chief executive of the 147-year-old Delaware Historical Society, Scott Loehr, a South Florida native with no Delaware ties, concedes he's still learning about the First State and his new job.
Watch the complete interview with
new Delaware Historical Society CEO, Scott Loehr here.
"In a number of ways, the learning curve has been very steep—particularly learning Delaware history, since I'm from the southern part of this country," said Loehr. Administratively, "with 27, 28 years of experience, some of the things are like riding a bike, but certainly there are some unique applications with this organization. It's been four weeks of learning—which has been good and reinvigorating."
Loehr hopes to translate what he's learning into a fresh and expanded vision for the historical society. "I think a fresh ideas, a fresh open mind, is good in any workspace," said Loehr. The new chief executive is still developing his overall vision but says it will include giving "what's seen as Wilmington-based organization" a higher profile in the southern two thirds of the state and increasing public awareness of the society's mission.
New Leadership for Delaware Historical Society
Excerpts of interview with new CEO Scott Loehr
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Loehr took over as CEO of the Delaware Historical Society on March 15 after serving as CEO of the Flint RiverQuarium in Albany, Ga., since 2006. Before that his career focused mainly on history. He was previously executive director of the Augusta (Ga.) Museum of History and the Newport (R.I.) Historical Society, as well as administrator of the Cape Fear Historical Complex in Fayetteville, N.C.
In an interview with DFM News, Loehr discussed his vision for the Delaware Historical Society, the economic challenges it faces, and its current and upcoming projects—including this month's 2011 History Awards Maker dinner honoring filmmaker Ken Burns and the "Steppin' Out Under The Stars" exhibition highlighting the history of nightlife in Wilmington.