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Valerie Van Kooten of Pella has been named the new administrator of the State Historical Society of Iowa, beginning April 5th. Van Kooten comes to the historical society with experience in Iowa history, historic preservation, capital campaigns, executive leadership and more. Currently, she is the owner and founder of Van Kooten Grant Consulting and served as executive director of Pella Historical Museums from 2016 to 2023.

“We are very excited to have Valerie joining the State Historical Society of Iowa in this leadership role,” said Adam Steen, director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, which oversees the historical society. “Her experience and record of high-level achievement will be major assets as the historical society continues its dual mission of preservation and education into the future.”

“I am immensely humbled to take the reins of the State Historical Society of Iowa, as I have loved this institution since I was a little girl,” Van Kooten said. “I am grateful for growing up in a very history-oriented family, which gave me a love for our state and the knowledge that Iowa’s history must be preserved and promoted. I look forward to working with the dedicated staff at the museums, archives and library, and historic sites.”