Berrien County Historical Association Director Rhiannon Cizon is moving on.

Cizon tells us after six years with the organization, her last day will be November 23. She says it’s been an eventful six years since she was asked to turn the association around. When Cizon came on board, it was close to failing.

“I was given the responsibility to save the institution from potential insolvency and to build up our relevancy in the community again, and I think I’ve done that,” Cizon said. “A lot of renovations physically at the museum, exhibit updates, modernizations. We’ve done over 180 programs. We’ve done over 20 exhibits.”

Cizon says the association has also increased its appeal to younger generations as it seeks to encourage a love of history in everyone. So, what’s been the best part of working for the Berrien County Historical Association?

“I’ve gotten an opportunity to meet so many wonderful people here in Berrien County, many who are just as passionate about history as I am. I have developed wonderful relationships with our sister institutions, with many businesses, giving organizations and partners.”

Cizon says it’s been a challenge working for the non-profit association, but she’s proud of the work she’s done. She’s moving on to serve as the executive director of the Grissom Air Museum in Peru, Indiana, a private museum that she says will be a new challenge.

An interim director for the Berrien County Historical Association will be announced in the coming weeks, and the plan is to search for a new permanent director next year.