Oregon native named executive director of planned Americana museum

OREGON – Michael Glenn was named executive director of an organization that intends to open the Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques and Americana in his hometown of Oregon.

The museum group is a recently formed not-for-profit focused on renovating and repurposing the historic Coliseum building to create a cultural center.

Glenn is the former executive director of The Next Picture Show, a fine arts center in downtown Dixon.

Glenn has served as executive director of Hopegivers International in Columbus, Georgia. He also was executive vice president of National Religious Broadcasters Association in Washington, D.C.

The museum’s mission will be the acquisition and display of Americana items in rotating and permanent exhibits. It will also provide a venue and storefront for artists.

The organization said it will collaborate with the city, school, park district, library, Serenity Hospice and Home, the Village of Progress, the Ogle County Historical Society, Depot Museum and Chana School Museum in creating a showcase for the historic and artistic heritage of the region. It also wants to be a place for school children to learn about the roots of Midwestern values.

The art deco facility at 124 N. Fourth St. originally opened in 1922. It was once a center of activity for the Oregon community. Renovations have already started with plans for a south entrance ramp, construction of permanent display cases, new lighting, and the addition of a DigitalMedia Studio on the second floor.

Progress reports will be posted to online and social media with plans for an official opening scheduled for later this year or sometime next year.. For more information, visit www.cmaaa.org or contact [email protected].