Grand Marais, MN, January 9, 2025 – Historic Cook County is pleased to introduce Catherine Mägi as its new executive director. Mägi started her professional career as a lawyer in Washington D.C. before changing her trajectory towards her passions, writing and history. Mägi became a professional writer and researcher for a nonprofit partner that supports Harpers Ferry National Park, which is located at the juncture of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, and was her home for over a decade. In addition, she managed an archive near the Antietam National Battlefield. Other notable accomplishments include serving four years on a tri-county heritage tourism board; participating in the U.S. 250th Anniversary planning commission; and advising county officials on historic preservation concerns in the face of modern development. In 2019, Catherine co-authored her first book, titled Confluence: Harpers Ferry as Destiny. “Throughout these experiences, I was mentored by impassioned preservationists. I came to understand that preservation is not merely saving objects; it is unlocking, protecting, and connecting human stories,” Mägi said.
“I am humbled to be joining Historic Cook County during its centennial year. I look forward to working with our staff, board, volunteers, and community partners to craft special experiences that spark interest in our past and hope for our future,” she added.
About Historic Cook County
Historic Cook County (HCC) has a mission to exist for the collection, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history of Cook County and to relate it to the history of the State of Minnesota.
Founded on October 29, 1925, HCC operates five buildings: the Historical Society Museum (the 1896 Lightkeeper’s House); the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery (JHP Art Gallery); St. Francis Xavier Chippewa City Church; Bally Blacksmith Shop; and a 1930s fish house replica and the 35’ fishing tug, Nee-Gee, built in 1935 in Grand Marais.
HCC is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. Learn more at cookcountyhistory.org.
