The Douglas County Historical Society has hired Steve Nowak of Toledo, Ohio, as its executive director.

A search committee at the society spent several months searching for candidates before deciding on Nowak, who worked at the Toledo Museum of Art for 22 years.

Nowak worked as director of education and community outreach and as a curatorial consultant in decorative arts while with the museum. As a member of senior management, he was involved with decisions regarding art classes, public and outreach programs, teacher resources and school tours.

With Nowak, the historical society hopes to open new exhibits and start new programming at Watkins Museum, and renew the focus on local struggles for freedom in Lawrence’s history.