Owensboro native Isaac G. Settle has been named the new executive director of the Owensboro Museum of Science and History. Settle, who begins the role on March 1, said he brings a deep appreciation for the region’s history and a vision for the museum’s growth.
“I am honored to step into this role at an institution that has meant so much to me,” Settle said. “The museum is built on a solid foundation, but my goal is to elevate it to new heights. To do that, we need the full support of the community – because this museum belongs to Owensboro.”
Settle’s leadership will focus on revitalizing exhibits, expanding educational programming, and fostering community engagement. He aims to strengthen partnerships across the region and create a more dynamic, accessible space for learning.
“My goal is to make the museum a centerpiece of Owensboro’s downtown landscape,” Settle said. “We want to create experiences that spark curiosity, bring people together, and make history and science more engaging than ever before. There is so much potential to tap, and I plan to do just that.”
Mary Bosley Kinney, chair of the museum’s Board of Directors, expressed her excitement about the appointment.
“Isaac brings a rare combination of experience, passion, and vision,” Kinney said. “His deep ties to the museum and the Owensboro community make him the ideal leader to usher in an exciting new era.”
Settle is no stranger to the museum. He served on the Daviess County Bicentennial Committee in 2015 and contributed to the publication Daviess County, Kentucky: Celebrating Our Heritage 1815-2015. He also worked at the museum for nearly three years, assisting with research, exhibit development, and collections preservation.
After completing his education, Settle returned to Owensboro to establish a private law practice specializing in estate planning, domestic relations, and real estate.
Museum officials expressed gratitude to Ed Allen for serving as interim director during the search process. A retirement party honoring Kathy Olson will be held at the museum on February 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Olson served as the museum’s director for the past 17 years.
For more information about the Owensboro Museum of Science and History, visit owensboromuseum.org or follow the museum on Facebook and Instagram.
