ABILENE - The Dickinson County Historical Society has announced that Austin Anders, a native of Dickinson County, has been named executive director of the nonprofit devoted to the collection, preservation, promotion, and sharing of the history of Dickinson County and the State of Kansas.
Anders will assume the position on June 7. An open house to introduce Anders to the membership and community will be held on June 13 from 2-5 p.m. at the Heritage Center, 412 S. Campbell Street in Abilene.
Anders, grew up south of Chapman and is a graduate of Chapman High School. He holds a degree in Business Management and Automotive Restoration from McPherson College and has held a number of leadership positions at the Dickinson County Historical Society. In recent years, he has taken an active leadership role for the Lyona United Methodist Church and has been involved in 4-H and a number of antique car clubs. Anders brings a wealth of local experience and knowledge along with a passion for artifact restoration, educational event planning, and demonstration of artisanship and agriculture practices of the past.
Through Anders’ leadership and continued active support of the Board of Trustees, the membership, and the community at large, the operation of the Heritage Center, cultural events, publications, and preservation of documents and artifacts will display a rebirth after the disruption caused by the COVID 19 pandemic and extended vacancy in the Director position.
About the historical society
The Dickinson County Historical Society operates the Heritage Center and manages the Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum in conjunction with the Jeffcoat Foundation. The Heritage Center is open Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The Jeffcoat Museum is open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.