History museum appoints interim director

David Eslick, local historian, community volunteer and photographer, has been appointed interim director of the History Museum for Springfield-Greene County. He succeeds director John Sellars, who recently left the position to become executive director of The Fremont retirement community.

Eslick, who has served as a member of the museum's board of trustees since 2007, has been a volunteer for more than 30 years, providing history presentations to institutions such as community clubs, churches and schools, according to a news release.

As interim director, Eslick will help guide the museum through its transition to its new location on Park Central Square in the historic Barth's building. Museum officials expect renovations to be complete in 2012, with a currently unknown opening date. Springfield-based Casey Architecture is the designer behind the project.

Since the museum board is focusing its efforts on raising money for the downtown museum, the board isn't currently looking for a permanent director, according to Andrew Baird, president of the museum's board of trustees, in the release.

Starting May 1, the museum, at its current location in Historic City Hall at Chestnut Expressway and Boonville Avenue, will host a mini-exhibitit showcasing its future home, the release said.[[In-content Ad]]