HUTCHINSON, KAN. – The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is pleased to announce Shannon Whetzel as its new Collections Manager, effective July 1, 2013. Whetzel is the former curator of the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources (AMNR) in Smackover, Ark., and is a Certified Archivist. As Collections Manager, Shannon will be responsible for the care and maintenance of the museum’s artifacts and exhibits and loans of artifacts to other museums and exhibitors.

“We are excited to welcome Shannon to the Cosmosphere team,” said Jim Remar, President and COO. “Her skills and qualifications stood out amongst many qualified applicants. Given the historical importance of the Cosmosphere’s artifact collection, it was imperative we hire someone highly trained in collections management. Not only does Shannon possess a wealth of experience working with a diverse array of objects, she understands the methodology behind the proper care, exhibition and long term preservation of these important pieces of history.”

Born in Wisconsin, Shannon grew up in Warrensburg, Mo., and graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in History before going on to earn her Master of Arts in History from the same institution. She is also a graduate of the Jekyll Island Management Institute and a member of the Academy of Certified Archivists Petition Review Team.

In her curatorial role at AMNR, Whetzel was responsible for environmental monitoring, database management, research and installation of exhibits, creating educational programming and grant writing. She maintained sole responsibility for the 12,000 piece collection, from physical storage to intellectual control. Prior to her work with AMNR, Shannon pursued her passion for museum studies by volunteering in the University of Central Missouri Archives and Museum.