Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has appointed Jenn Edginton as director of the Illinois State Museum. Edginton has been serving as interim director since February 2023. She joined the museum in 2021 and previously worked at institutions like the Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum.

Edginton is active in the American Association for State and Local History and the Illinois America 250 Commission. She has chaired committees, advised on field guides, and co-authored works on Civil War interpretation at museums and historic sites.

Edginton holds a bachelor’s in anthropology and a certificate in museum studies from Michigan State, a master’s in education from the University of Kansas, and a doctorate in First Nations education from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay.