Tri-Cities Historical Museum Appoints New Director

The Tri-Cities Historical Museum is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Bunke as its new Director. Bunke was selected following a nationwide search and thorough evaluation process.

This is a homecoming for Bunke, who was born in Grand Haven and launched her 20-year museum career as a Registrar at the Tri-Cities Historical Museum. She returns to the museum with an impressive track record of achievement. Prior to this appointment, she served as Assistant Director of Material Culture at Kalamazoo Valley Museum in Michigan. She also works with the American Alliance of Museums on the Museum Assessment Program, helping small to mid-size museums prepare for professional accreditation.

Bunke spent 12 years as Executive Director and Curator at the St. Charles Heritage Center in Illinois, and she was Museum Supervisor at the Downers Grove Park District Museum in Illinois for three years.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, we're thrilled to welcome Julie as our Director," said Ann White, Board President. "She began her career at our museum in 1999 and now returns to share with us a wealth of experience in all aspects of museum management. Her passion for history and love of our Tri-Cities community will make her leadership even more effective."

"I am very excited to be back here," said Bunke. "I feel like I have come full circle and am proud to represent the communities where my family history can be traced back five generations. I am proud and eager to start working with the board, staff and volunteers to preserve and present the history and culture of this special place."

A graduate of Fruitport High School, Bunke holds a Bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University and a Master's degree from Eastern Michigan University. In addition to her museum responsibilities, she looks forward to giving her children the kinds of experiences she had growing up near the shores of Lake Michigan.

About Tri-Cities Historical Museum

Tri-Cities Historical Museum is a two-site public museum serving Grand Haven, Grand Haven Township, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Township and Ferrysburg, Michigan. The three-floor Akeley Building at 200 Washington is open all year and presents a combination of permanent and ever-changing temporary exhibits. The Depot Museum of Transportation, open spring through fall, is located in a beautifully restored railroad depot at 1 N. Harbor.

The museum is always free to tour and most programs are also free. Museum members receive a host of special perks that can include exclusive events, gift shop discounts, a quarterly newsletter, yearly publication and more.

For more information, please visit: https://www.tri-citiesmuseum.org/