HMI New Director of Programs

She succeeds Rhonda Deeg, who held the position for nearly seven years

(Photo Provided)

The Board of Directors of Historic Madison, Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring of Jessica Spiess as the Director of Programs. She succeeds Rhonda Deeg, who held the position for nearly seven years.

Jessica comes to Madison from northwest Indiana. She has experience as a park ranger with the National Park Service in Montana, Minnesota and Massachusetts, with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Porter County Parks. She completed her master’s degree in Public History in 2020 from the University of Nebraska – Kearney. Jessica graduated with degrees in history and agricultural economics from Purdue University in 2009. Most recently, Jessica was a project manager with the Indiana Department of Transportation. Throughout her career, she has served the communities she has worked in with dedication and a drive to find creative solutions and programs.

Jessica joins HMI as the organization is changing and expanding its programs in response to the COVID pandemic and its move to new offices.

HMI is adding to its online programming offerings through social media and its website, www.historicmadisoninc.com and by partnering with other organizations.

“We are excited to have Jessica join the HMI team and become part of the Madison preservation community,” said John Staicer, HMI President. He continued “Jess brings a wide variety of skills and experience to our team and is hard at work on a number of public programs. She’s also planning new and different ways for visitors to experience our historic district and the HMI museum properties.”

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to utilize my skills and knowledge to help Historic Madison, Inc. continue to share the history of Madison, Indiana, through education, preservation, and community interactions,” Jessica said. “As a lifelong Hoosier, I’ve known about Madison and its rich heritage for many years. It’s a dream come true to become part of this community which values its history so much,” she continued.

Historic Madison, Inc., a not for profit historic preservation organization founded in 1960, has played a key role in the preservation, restoration, education and development of Madison’s National Historic Landmark District. The organization owns and operates 11 historic properties, five of which are museums.

If you enjoy history, industrial heritage, gardening or folk crafts we have a place for you! Volunteer docent and group tour guides positions are available. For additional information contact Historic Madison, Inc. at (812) 265-2967, visit us online at www.historicmadisoninc.com or like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.