Jacob Thomas, a 28-year-old Michigan native, is the new executive director of the Museum at Central School, replacing the retiring Gil Jordan.

Thomas comes to Kalispell from the Charlevoix Historical Society in Charlevoix, Michigan, where he worked as the curator of collections. Prior to that, he spent time at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan and the Stark Museum of Art in Orange, Texas. The Michigander said he was drawn to the job here in part by his familiarity with Northwest Montana, having spent three summers working in Glacier National Park while in college.

A graduate of Western Michigan University with a master’s degree from Appalachian State University, Thomas brings what the museum called “fresh energy and ideas” in a press release. Thomas cited an interest in expanding the museum’s website and social media outreach, along with some aesthetic improvements to the building, as his top priorities.

Thomas’ first day was April 3 and he’s spent the last two weeks learning from and working alongside Jordan, who announced in November that he would retire after 12 years in the position. Jordan’s last day was Friday.

Thomas and Jordan — along with Jordan’s wife, Kimberly Pinter, who is also retiring — will be celebrated at an event Friday, April 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the museum.

The evening is open to the public and free to attend.

The Museum at Central School is operated by the Northwest Montana Historical Society and located at 124 Second Ave. E. in Kalispell. For more information, call 406-756-8381 or visit www.yourmuseum.org.