Ben Leonard

As the Senior Vice President of Historic Sites Network & Operations, Ben Leonard plays a critical role in carrying out the Minnesota Historical Society’s strategic mission and vision at 33 properties across the state. 

Ben has a long history with MNHS; he began his career as a program associate, delivering educational programs for Mill City Museum and classrooms around Minnesota. He then spent nine years as the executive director of the Nicollet County Historical Society.

Ben returned to MNHS in 2013, when he was named director of greater Minnesota sites. He’s held multiple roles since that time, including a one-year special assignment as the senior coordinator for the Historic Fort Snelling Revitalization Project. Ben holds a B.A. in History from the University of Minnesota-Morris and an M.A. in History from Arizona State University.