Nelson Pioneer Farm Welcomes McKenzie “Mac” Korte as New Museum Director

The Mahaska County Historical Society/Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum is thrilled to announce the appointment of McKenzie Hardeman Korte, often known in his communities and to his family as Mac, as our new incoming Museum Director. Mac has close ties to the local community here in Oskaloosa through the Hardeman family.

Mac comes to Mahaska County with an impressive background in museum education and management, serving in many roles throughout his career at various museums and schools from coast to coast, including renowned institutions such as the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and the Mystic Seaport Museum. Mac comes to Nelson Pioneer after celebrating with many of his close friends and colleagues in the museum and education spheres in New England knowing that his experiences and passion for his communities will be the drivers of his success as he returns to his family in Oskaloosa.

“The hiring committee and I were incredibly impressed with Mac’s breadth of experience and the range of communities in which he’s served,” explains outgoing Director/Curator Margaret Spiegel. “Mac’s professional experience in many facets of museum work lays a solid foundation for his role as Museum Director at the Mahaska County Historical Society. His outgoing and conscientious personality will also ensure he leads our organization with intention, care, and excitement. I’ve no doubt that he will do well here.”

Mac’s experiences and background in new methods and technologies in the museum field have allowed him to focus on sustainable, community-focused initiatives with the hopes to cultivate new generations of museum and community members. In his collegiate studies at Eastern Connecticut State University, Mac received a degree in History, building connections throughout the area leading to his prospering career.

Reflecting on his new role, Mac shares his enthusiasm stating: “Coming to Oskaloosa to serve a community close to me just down the road from the Hardeman family farm is a profound honor. I am grateful to see the culmination of my experiences and connections with so many communities across the United States bring me here to the Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum. It’s a distinct privilege to continue and build from the successful work of outgoing director Margaret Spiegel and the community she has helped foster here.”

Please join us in warmly welcoming Mac to his new role as he journeys from New England to Mahaska County in time for our Annual Meeting on February 19th in his cross-country battle tested 2004 Subaru Outback. We are confident that his leadership, vision, and dedication to his community here and our shared heritage will guide the Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum to continued success.

The public portion of the Annual Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. on Monday, February 19 after a brief business meeting for Historical Society members.

Stay tuned for updates on our programs and initiatives under Mac’s direction. We invite you to visit us and experience firsthand the exciting developments at the Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum as we open to the public in May.

For more information about our museum and to keep up with our latest news, follow us on social media or visit our website at nelsonpioneer.org.