The Rock County Historical Society Board announced Tuesday that Wendel Buys, Luverne, has been hired as executive director, a new full-time paid position with the organization.
“We’ve never had an executive director,” said Historical Society President Betty Mann. “I’m very, very excited.”
She said Buys will oversee operations of the History Center and the four historical buildings in the community. They include the Hinkly House and the fairgrounds properties — the schoolhouse, summer kitchen and two barns.
“This means I can spend more time getting things written down,” Mann said.
“I have so many things in my head from research for my talks, but I just have notes. I want to get it written down.”
Buys currently teaches at Southwest Christian High School in Edgerton and previously taught in Hills.
“He has wonderful qualifications and has an interest in history,” Mann said Tuesday morning.
She said the board made the hiring decision at their Monday night meeting and selected Buys from among 19 candidates.
“Many of them were excellent applicants,” Mann said. “It was not an easy decision.”