Frances Levine, president and CEO of the Missouri Historical Society, which includes the Missouri History Museum, its Library & Research Center and the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum downtown, has announced she is stepping down next year.
Levine took over the helm at the Missouri Historical Society (MHS) in 2014, in the wake of tumultuous times at the institution. Since then, MHS has seen unprecedented growth, including a significant increase in attendance at the museum in Forest Park, with three continuous years of more than 400,000 visitors annually. It was also under Levine’s leadership that Soldier’s Memorial was successfully integrated into the institution’s fold.
“The nearly eight years that Dr. Levine has been at the helm of the Missouri Historical Society have been transformative for the institution,” said Lisa McLaughlin, chair of the MHS board of trustees. “MHS has expanded not only through the addition of a new museum, but also in how we serve our community by sharing more of St. Louis’ unique history and making more of the MHS collections accessible.”
The MHS board of trustees is forming a committee to undertake a national search for Levine’s successor. Levine intends to officially step down in mid-2022, but will continue as president and CEO through the selection process to ensure a smooth transition.
“MHS is in such a strong position that this feels like the right moment,” Levine said. “The team here is truly incredible, and we have really set it up for the next leader to come in and build on our success. We have our long-term exhibit schedule planned through the end of this decade, and we will be unveiling a comprehensive vision for our future soon. I will be working with the MHS team to refine those long-term plans as we come out of the pandemic.”
Levine, a leader within the museum field nationally, is also an award-winning author whose latest book, “Women of the Santa Fe Trail,” is set to be released in 2022.
Twilight Thursdays at Missouri History Museum Salute St. Louis Music Icons
