History Center director resigns amid ongoing controversies

The executive director of the Steele County Historical Society has submitted her resignation.

“It has been a very frustrating few years with the organization,” said Jennifer Thiele. “I am moving on to new professional opportunities where there is more unity and focus on organizational strategic growth and collaboration.”

Thiele took over the role of director in May 2023.

“After this past year, the dynamics within the board and the lack of clarity in how they want to proceed with organizational decisions have been challenging,” she said.

Next week, the Steele County Times plans to publish an in-depth investigative story exploring what is going on with Gus’s Station at the Village of Yesteryear, which is on the History Center grounds.

Lloyd Kaplan and Terry Prokopec, who were instrumental in moving the iconic station from Ellendale to Owatonna about 10 years ago, will share their story of decisions made by SCHS that have caused friction and controversy.

This story was edited following its original publication.