Francie Gits, Executive Director
Francie graduated in 1975 from the University of Colorado with a BA in Liberal Arts.  The bulk of her working years were spent as the Human Resource Manager for Pac Seal International in Burr Ridge, Illinois. During those years and beyond retirement she was involved in many community activities as a volunteer and board member for Community Nurse and Service Association and Community Family Services. She also served as the fundraising chair for the Western Springs Community Center Association and the local chapter of American Association of University Women as well as Chairman of Ways and Means for Chicago West Suburban Delta Gamma from 1982 – 2005.

As a child she spent her summers at the family home on Lake Leelanau and moved to Leland full time in 2006. She became a volunteer with the Leelanau Historical Society in 2002. In 2007 she joined the board and became president of the society serving from 2008 – 2013. She is now the Executive Director of the Leelanau Historical Society.

Kim Kelderhouse, Curator of Collections
Kim is a graduate of Grand Valley State University where she majored in Public and Nonprofit Administration and holds a Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University. Growing up in rural Leelanau County, Kim learned a deep respect for nature and a passion for its rich natural and historical resources. She is a descendent of Thomas P. Kelderhouse who settled Port Oneida in 1862 making her a 6th generation resident of Leelanau County.  She has worked for the Leelanau Historical Society since May 2013.

Elizabeth Adams, Curatorial Assistant
Elizabeth graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2013 with a Bachelors in Graphic Design and Marketing.  She immediately brought her skills back to Suttons Bay, MI where she has been working and freelancing ever since.  In the last few years she has taken a keen interest in history and nonprofit work.  She has volunteered with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s antique apple documentation, giving her the chance to experience historic North Manitou Island.  She also took part in North Central Michigan College’s Archaeological Field School Summer 2015. Most recently Elizabeth spent Summer 2017 interning with the Leelanau Historical Society.