Ellie Gettinger hired as museum educator
The Jewish Museum Milwaukee may not be opening until next winter, but Ellie Gettinger, who was recently hired as the museum educator, is already looking forward to the new challenges ahead.
“I’m excited,” she said. “This job allows me to promote education in a different way and in a new sphere.”
Gettinger, who graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Jewish studies, has served as the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Young Leadership Coordinator since October 2003.
Her background in Judaism and her success doing outreach made her the perfect candidate for the position of museum educator, said Kathie Bernstein, director of the Milwaukee Jewish Historical Society, a program of the federation.
“This museum is a place of discovery, and in order to do a good job, we need to have a very qualified staff…. I know Ellie has a deep interest in Jewish history, and she’s also able to pull people in.”
Bernstein added that hiring Gettinger was a key step in the museum’s progress, since “education is what the museum is all about.”
Museum president Marianne Lubar agrees. “One of the most important things we’ll be doing is developing an education program and she’s spearheading it. She’s a dynamic young woman. We’re excited about this wonderful new addition to the museum.”
In addition to creating all of the museum’s educational programming, Gettinger will build partnerships with both Jewish and public schools, coordinate school and community tours, develop the museum’s docent program, and also implement existing programs, such as the oral history video project.
“I’m thrilled to be working with people who’ve been committed to [the Jewish museum] for so long,” said Gettinger, who will officially begin her new position on March 19.
Bernstein, who is overseeing the museum’s construction, spoke excitedly about the role it will play in the Milwaukee community. “The Jewish community has been here since 1844, which is a long time. We have a wonderful story to tell, and the role of the museum is to tell the Milwaukee Jewish story.”
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