Kruckenberg named new director of Montana Historical Society

From Staff Reports

HELENA — Molly Kruckenberg will be taking the reins of the Montana Historical Society, becoming the first female director in its 155-year history, officials said Thursday.

Kruckenberg will take over from Bruce Whittenberg on Oct. 1, when he steps back from full-time duties. Whittenberg, who has been at the Montana Historical Society for nine years, is retiring but will stay on in a limited role through the end of the 2020, historical society officials said in a news release.

Molly Kruckenberg, director, Montana Historical Society.

The deparment has 58 full-time employees and its 2019 budget was $5.4 million. The yearly salary for director is about $105,000, historical society officials said.

Kent Kleinkopf, president of the MHS board of trustees, said Kruckenberg’s long-time experience heading the Montana Historical Society’s Research Center, coupled with Whittenberg’s willingness to help when needed, should make the transition seamless.

He said Whittenberg volunteering to be a mentor shows his commitment “not just to the new Montana Heritage Center project, but to the historical society as a whole.”

Kruckenberg has worked at the Montana Historical Society for 21 years, after earning a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University in Pittsburgh. 

The Montana Historical Society in Helena is open six days a week but closed on Sunday.

“This is an exciting time for our institution as we approach construction of the Montana Heritage Center,” Kruckenberg said, adding she will ensure that all Montanans have the opportunity to learn from, interact with, and enjoy our history.

Whittenberg is a former Lee Enterprise publisher who led the Billings Gazette, Helena Independent Record and Iowa’s Quad City Times. He founded Leadership Montana in 2004, which teaches young professionals the skills to build better relationships and communities.

 “Bruce has an ability to work with governors, legislators, budget people, business owners, non-profits and communities across the state,” said Chuck Johnson, a retired journalist and MHS board member. “He took the message throughout Montana that the historical society is not just for Helena, but for the entire state.”

Bruce Whittenberg

Whittenberg’s largest accomplishment to the Montana Historical Society was getting bipartisan support during the 2019 legislative session for construction of the $52 million Montana Heritage Center, after more than a decade of efforts.

Yet Senate Bill 338 isn’t just about the Montana Heritage Center, Kleinkopf noted. It provided restoration funding for the Moss Mansion in Billings and the Daly Mansion in Hamilton. It also includes a provision for historic preservation grants for public and private museums and historical societies across Montana.

“Bruce is, without a doubt, the most successful director we have had in our lifetime,” Kleinkopf said. “He had a world of experience coming into the position and has been an exceptional fundraiser. With his robust enthusiasm, he has that inspirational ability to bring people on board.”  

Whittenberg plans to remain in Helena when he retires at the end of the year, and is looking forward to fishing, hiking and quaffing a few microbrews at his favorite watering holes.