The Oliver and District Heritage Society has announced that Tracy Johnson of Bend, Oregon is the successful applicant for the position of Community Heritage Manager.

Tracy graduated in 1995 from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology. After working for five years in field archaeology in BC she transferred her professional interest to museums and subsequently worked in heritage facilities in Grand Forks, Summerland and Kelowna. From 2006 she was employed with the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon as Curator of Collections, Exhibits and Resource Library. She has completed the University of Victoria’s Cultural Resource Management Post-Baccalaureate Diploma and Professional Specialization Certificate in Collections Management as well as having experience managing a small business.

Board Chair Michael Newman said the committee was impressed by Tracy’s well-rounded and hands-on experience.

“She has experience in a large museum such as High Desert as well as small community museums. She has the professional experience to ensure the management of our collections but also the equally important skills for developing and working with community volunteers and engaging local schools.”

“I hope everyone will join me in welcoming Tracy, her husband Mark Nelson and son Edward to our community,” Newman said.

Tracy is expected to begin work on June 15.

Photo and story submitted by ODHS