Matticks, a German Russian Descendant, Joins AHSGR as Executive Director

Bob Ahlbrandt, President of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, is pleased to announce that Rebecca (Becky) Matticks, a second-generation descendent of Germans from Russia from Norka, is the new Executive Director of AHSGR, starting Monday, July 29th.

Matticks brings a wealth of experience to AHSGR, having enjoyed a long and successful museum career. Her journey began as a volunteer and progressed to various director roles. She previously served as Director at the Kansas Oil Museum (1998-2005), Museum Director at the Hasting Museum (2005-2021), and Director of Research/Deputy Director at the Stuhr Museum (2021-2024). Becky actively participates in the museum profession, recently serving as the President of the Nebraska Museums Association. Becky received a BA in History from Hastings College and an MA in Historical Administration from Eastern Illinois University. Additionally, she has served as a member of the AHSGR Board of Directors.

Ahlbrandt said, “Becky brings strong organizational, interpersonal, and project management skills to AHSGR that will help us in furthering our mission. Her high level of enthusiasm and energy will benefit our entire organization.”

When asked about her attraction to the Executive Director role, Matticks explained, “I was drawn to the museum because of its mission. As an AHSGR member, I became extremely interested in working here. The board and the strategic plan impressed me. Having spent over thirty-four years in the museum field, joining an organization that tells my personal history is like hitting gold. I can apply my strengths to our current focus, moving towards enhancing the museum, the exhibits, and the outdoor buildings.”

Matticks’ German Russian heritage traces back to her maternal grandparents, who were both born in Norka, Russia and emigrated to the United States as children. Her grandfather, John Blum, a cobbler, settled in Hastings, Nebraska where he owned a downtown shop. Her grandmother, Sophie Scheneman, settled in Culbertson Nebraska.

“My mom and I have done some genealogy, and other last names include Scheideman, Alt, Schwindt, and Yost. All seem to come from Norka. In the publication, Letters from Hell, my great uncle’s letter is on page 5. David Bloom is my great grandfather,” said Matticks. “My past positions in collections, exhibits, historical interpretation, and research have prepared me for this new role. For the past twenty-six years, I‘ve been a Director in three different organizations.”

Matticks looks forward to meeting everyone at the 54th AHSGR Annual Convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Aug. 7-9, 2024.