Although she is now retired, Pat Zankman is credited with many of the initiatives that are making the Cook County Historical Society an interesting and active organization. Zankman recently received recognition from the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums.
Pat Zankman, former director of the Cook County Historical Society, was recently recognized with an award from the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums.
The award is for “Capacity Building” which Pat Zankman was instrumental in achieving for the museum, according to Society Director Carrie McHugh.
“She, in many ways, laid the foundation for a more professional museum with archival storage. She also initiated both computer cataloging of collections and a website,” said McHugh.
In addition, Zankman and the CCHS board worked to establish a full-time director position. “With that established, the museum has had continued opportunity for growth and development,” McHugh added.
The Society is expanding its Passport Program in a countywide collaboration with schools and interpretive centers/ museums and has initiated an online catalog.
“We continue to grow our membership and find that more and more people are interested in the events and activities offered throughout the year. We also are working to design new exhibits and interpretation for all our sites. And, we are now open year round,” said the director.
The Cook County Historical Society’s mission statement reads: “The purpose of the Society shall be the collection, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history of Cook County and to relate it to the history of the State of Minnesota.”
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