Sultana Historical Preservation Society hires Executive Director

Former Stax Museum head will take helm of Sultana projects

By Wyly Bigger

Sultana Historical Preservation Society

MARION, Ark. – Today, the Sultana Historical Preservation Society announced the hiring of its first Executive Director, Jeff Kollath.

Kollath joins SHPS with vast experience in museum management and development, having successfully led Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, Tennessee, as the museum’s Executive Director for the past nine years.

Prior to leading Stax, Kollath served in leadership roles at Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Milwaukee County Historical Society and University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for the Humanities. Kollath has extensive knowledge in grant writing, budget development, facilities management, public speaking, exhibit development and design.

“As a museum professional, one of my greatest joys has been uncovering, interpreting, and telling the stories of everyday people and their extraordinary lives,” Kollath said. “There are thousands of stories to be told in this new museum. The Sultana Disaster is something that still reverberates generations later, and I look forward to working with the board and others in making this important story come alive in our museum for guests of all ages.”

Kollath has a passion for making history come alive through high-quality exhibitions, immersive educational experience and free, accessible programming.

“With the hiring of Jeff Kollath we have ensured that the new Sultana Disaster Museum will have an experienced leader who knows museums, knows the Mid-South and knows the importance of a museum telling the stories of everyday people,” President John Fogleman said. “We are beyond excited to have Jeff join our team in telling the story of the deadliest maritime disaster in American history.”

Kollath will officially begin serving as Executive Director on July 1.

About the Sultana Historical Preservation Society

The Sultana Historical Preservation Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in charge of the Sultana Disaster Museum and all projects and fundraising related to the new facility.

About the Sultana Disaster Museum

The Sultana Disaster Museum tells the story of the tragedy that occurred on April 27, 1865, and the events that led up to that fateful night. The museum is committed to telling the full story of the steamboat, from its construction to its destruction and beyond. Stories of the men who were freed from Andersonville and Cahaba prisoner of war camps and how and why they were grossly overcrowded onto one steamboat are told in great detail. Compelling accounts from the victims on board the Sultana, rescuers along the Mississippi River, as well as many Union officers involved in the selection and overcrowding of the boat are on display in the museum.

For more information, please email John Fogleman at foglemanforcourt@yahoo.co m or visit https://www.sultanadisastermuseum. com/.

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