Leadership

Balloon Status: Not Flying

Museum Experience Center: closed

Grounds: closed

Executive Leadership

Extended Leadership Team

Stephanie Niswonger

Stephanie Niswonger

Director of Ag Initiatives

Stephanie Niswonger serves as the Director of Agriculture Initiatives at Conner Prairie, where she oversees the museum’s agriculture department, including its working farm, heritage breed livestock herds, daily agricultural experiences, and outreach programs. Passionate about agricultural education, Stephanie is dedicated to making agriculture relevant, engaging, and accessible to everyone. She is especially honored to work with some of the world’s rarest livestock breeds and Conner Prairie’s heritage breeds program—an initiative aimed at raising awareness about rare or endangered livestock. Since joining Conner Prairie as a youth volunteer in 2005, she has grown within the organization, earning a B.S. in Historic Preservation with a concentration in Site Administration from Southeast Missouri State University, graduating summa cum laude. Beyond Conner Prairie, she serves as secretary of the Arapawa Goat Breeders Association USA, has presented at conferences such as NAFDMA and MOMCC, and has written award-winning articles for publications including The Longhorn Journal and Midwest Open Air Museums Magazine.

Among Stephanie’s proudest achievements is her leadership of Conner Prairie’s Youth Agriculture Captain program, which mentors and trains young volunteers in agriculture and leadership. She has also played a key role in transforming Conner Prairie into a working farm dedicated to rare breed conservation—partnering nationally and internationally to preserve endangered livestock and promote sustainable, low-stress animal care. While her early ambitions were rooted in museum administration, Stephanie discovered her passion for hands-on agricultural education and conservation, blending management with meaningful, purpose-driven work. Outside of Conner Prairie, she enjoys volunteering and spending time outdoors, hiking, kayaking, biking, and gardening.

Go Back

Board of Directors

Lifelong learning requires real leadership

At Conner Prairie, every guest has the opportunity to pursue knowledge and fun in a way that is tailored to them. This pursuit requires strong, dedicated leadership. Our Board of Directors oversees operations and engages community members in supporting the museum. Conner Prairie thanks these individuals who contribute their time and expertise.

Conner Prairie Foundation

The Conner Prairie Foundation board of directors oversees the management of the museum's endowment and the land and structures of the museum, including the William Conner House.

Directors Emeriti