About the fund
This fund was created in honor of Irene Zenev, who led the Benton County Historical Society for nearly 14 years as Executive Director. During her tenure as E.D., the Historical Society acquired the Horner Collection from its previous home at Oregon State University’s Gill Coliseum; raised funds for, and built the Johnson Collection Care Facility to house the collection; and, raised funds, designed, and opened a state-of-the-art museum in downtown Corvallis.
Prior to her role as E.D., she spent eight-and-a-half years as the Society’s Exhibitions Curator. (These periods book end a nine-month-stint away when Irene taught Pilates full time.) She retired from her role as E.D. in July of 2021.
After her 22 years of service to the Society, the Board of Directors voted to establish a fund in her honor that will continue to support the Society for years to come.