December 16, 2025 – The Iowa Heartland History Connection (dba Wapello County Historical Society) Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Director Erin Naylor, effective November 21, 2025, after four years of service.
The Board extends its gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for her leadership. “After four years of incredible memories and meaningful work at the museum, I’m stepping away to focus on a new chapter—raising my family,” says Naylor. “It’s been an honor to help preserve and share our community’s history, and I’m deeply grateful for the support, collaboration, and joy this role has brought me.”
Since joining the Iowa Heartland History Connection in 2021, Naylor has deepened the museum’s presence and impact in Ottumwa and throughout southeastern Iowa. Under her leadership, the museum completed the move of its extensive collection from the previous location to the new Iowa Heartland History Connection Museum campus at 1 Museum Drive.
She partnered in the development of new educational outreach programs with local school districts, field trip opportunities to units in civics and history curriculum. The Iowa Heartland History Connection has been a consistent presence in community expos, events, and markets
under her direction. For her success in this outreach, Naylor received the 2024 Iowa Museum Association’s Rising Star Award.
Building on that success, the Iowa Heartland History Connection held its first-ever “Hands On History” Summer Day Camp in June 2025. Elementary and middle school students explored the campus, investigated mysteries at the museum, engaged with local history, and experienced hands-on activities with local farmers, beekeepers, teachers, artists, and more. Special events and the day-to-day operations of the museum are run by a team of committed volunteers.
Naylor’s skill in fostering a collaborative environment and providing leadership and support enabled this volunteer team to thrive and expand the museum’s reach.
