The Bullock Museum names new director

AUGUST 9, 2018 (AUSTIN, TX) — After a months-long national search, the State Preservation Board officially appointed Margaret Koch as the new director of the Bullock Texas State History Museum, effective August 1. Koch, who most recently served as the Museum's Interim Director, brings to the role more than 25 years of leadership, strategic planning, designing, and implementation of interpretive exhibitions and educational programming for history museums around the country.

Since joining the Bullock Museum in 2013, Koch has served as Director of Exhibits, Deputy Director, and Interim Director. With her leadership and supervision, the Museum has produced numerous award-winning exhibitions and programs with a focus on inclusivity, interactivity and technological innovation.

"Margaret is an experienced and trusted leader who will keep the Bullock at the forefront of best contemporary museum practices as the institution continues to produce new and exciting programs," said State Preservation Board Executive Director Rod Welsh.

As Director of Exhibits, Koch created the Museum's five-year plan and implemented long-range exhibition planning that increased membership, revenue and annual visitor attendance by growing the number of yearly exhibitions and expanding gallery spaces and interpretation. Through her vision and mentorship of staff to create the most meaningful, accurate, and relevant visitor experience, she established the Bullock Museum among the top five highest-attended state-run history institutions in the nation.

While serving as Deputy Director and Interim Director, Koch oversaw several improvements and renovations of Museum spaces and technologies, including redesign of the Museum's café and conversion of the IMAX® projection system to advanced laser format. She is currently leading the multi-million dollar renovation of the first floor gallery and creation of the groundbreaking Becoming Texas exhibition opening this fall.

As Museum Director, Koch will continue to work closely with the Texas State History Museum Foundation in raising funds to support the Museum's mission, as well as foster relationships with the community and other organizations to ensure the Museum continues to tell the most inclusive, accurate, and relevant stories through its exhibitions.

Prior to her roles at the Bullock Museum, Koch served as Director of Exhibitions and Research and Exhibition Designer at the Missouri History Museum. She successfully led her team to develop nationally recognized exhibitions and community-relevant projects. Additionally, she served as lead designer on the award-winning exhibitions Seeking St. Louis: Currents, Lindbergh, and Katherine Dunham: Beyond the Dance. Koch holds a Bachelor of Arts in History at Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and a Master of Fine Arts in Museum Exhibition Planning and Design from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

For more information about the Bullock Museum, visit TheStoryofTexas.com or call (512)936-8746.

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​​The Bullock Texas State History Museum, a division of the State Preservation Board and an accredited institution of the American Alliance of Museums, creates experiences that educate, engage, and encourage a deeper understanding of Texas. With dynamic, award-winning exhibitions that illuminate Texas history, people, and culture, educational programming for all ages, and an IMAX® theater with a screen the size of Texas, the Museum collaborates with more than 700 museums, libraries, archives, organizations, and individuals across the world to bring the Story of Texas to life. For more information, visit www.TheStoryofTexas.com or call (866)369-7108.

The Bullock Texas State History Museum is owned and operated by the State of Texas through the State Preservation Board. Additional support of exhibitions and programs is provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.