Kellen Hinrichsen

Kellen moved to Owatonna in late 2020 to accept the position of executive director at the Steele County Historical Society. Prior to moving to Owatonna, Hinrichsen lived in Monmouth, Illinois where he was executive director of the Warren County Historical Society for nearly five years. Prior work experience includes working as the associate curator at the Durham Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, the museum manager at the Dallas Holocaust Museum, and interning at the Molly Brown House and Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado. Having worked in museums for 15 years, Kellen has extensive experience in nonprofit management, community engagement, development, and marketing among other skills.

Kellen received his master’s degree in museum studies from the University of Denver in 2013, and his bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Penn State University in 2006. He has a passion for learning the history and unique aspects of the areas in which he lives, and working to help improve those communities.

In his free time, Kellen likes to read, visit historic sites, and spend time with his wife, Megan, and two sons, Lars and Leo, while exploring all of the fun and unique places that Minnesota has to offer.