Board members are elected to three-year terms. Board elections are held at the annual member meeting in March. Officers serve one-year terms. Officers are elected at the first regular board meeting following the annual member meeting.
President
Eleanor Shimek
Vice President
Don Gentry
Treasurer
Susan Weideman
Secretary
Jack Preston
Other board members include: Diane Mercer, Larry Gibbs, Brian Croft, Jodi Ruzicka, Harry Gabel, Anne James, Steve Veissman, Maggie Dickey, Carl Roland, Jeff Schledewitz and Bill Vaughan.
Professional Staff Members
Executive Director
David Wolf
Dave is a graduate of Scottsbluff High School and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has an extensive background in education outreach and public relations, and has raised money for two local non-profit organizations. He has worked in local government, politics, and most recently at the North Platte NRD. Dave oversees the general operations of the museum. You can reach Dave at director@legacyoftheplains.org
Curator
Kaidin Phelan
Kaidin received an MA in Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program in 2023 and has a BA in History from Montana State University. His principal responsibilities include caring for the museum’s extensive collection, maintaining and updating the gallery, developing temporary exhibits, and helping researchers utilize the museum’s resources. If you have something you would like to donate to the museum, or have a research request, please reach out to him at kphelan@legacyoftheplains.org
Administrative Assistants
Sherry Land
Sherry just retired from teaching. She is responsible for coordinating events, volunteers, room rentals, tour bus groups and education activities. She graduated from Wayne State College. She and her husband, Mark, have lived in Scottsbluff for 22 years and have two children. For rentals and other inquiries you can reach Sherry at sland@legacyoftheplains.org
Ground Keeper/Maintenance
Wade Friedlan
Wade is primary responsibilities will be mowing, weeding, watering and other basic maintenance around the museum. He is a graduate from Gering High School. He and his wife, Celestina, are both artists. You can reach Wade at wfriedlan@legacyoftheplains.org