A change in leadership planned for nearly a year will take place by the end of this month at Pella Historical Museums. Outgoing Executive Director Valerie Van Kooten announced her retirement last year, and that will take place with new Director Jessi Galligan assuming those duties. Van Kooten is thankful for her time serving the historic non-profit organization and looks forward to grant writing and other projects following the departure. A farewell reception will be held for Van Kooten on Tuesday, August 22nd at 7:45 p.m.