Meet the RAHS Board of Directors, proudly serving two-year terms of leadership in Rockford
Kevin Koehler, Board Chair
Kevin has 5 generations of family that have lived in Rockford. His great great grandfather first settled in Corcoran in 1884, then moved to Rockford in 1888. His grandparents, Johnny and Elsie Mutterer owned and operated the Rockford Drive Inn restaurant from 1956 – 1971. He currently administrates the RockfordMnHistory Facebook page. Kevin is extremely interested in Rockford amateur baseball from the 1900’s- 1970’s.
Bonnie Maue, Trustee
Bonnie began her tenure with the RAHS as a charter member in 1986 and continues to donate many hours each week to the AFS House. She served as past treasurer for the organization and is also active in the North Hennepin Pioneer Society.
Annette Tryon, RAHS Secretary
Annette has been in the area for 20 years and has served in many positions with various nonprofits. Her local passion is the development and implementation of Thousand Hearts Crow River Serve Day. Annette is a watercolor artist, enjoys gardening, travel and coffee with friends.
Dr. Perry Buffie, Treasurer
Jeff Nute, Trustee
A Greenfield resident for 20 years, Jeff enjoys the outdoors and getting his hands dirty landscaping for the last 28 years. A minor in History might finally be used during his time on the board.
Nikki Nute, Trustee
When Nikki is not busy with family or the family landscape business, Nikki enjoys volunteering in the community and is looking forward to working with the RAHS Board.
Michelle Bartlett, Trustee
Trustee Bio:
Michelle Bartlett grew up in Plymouth and has been a Greenfield resident for 26 years. She has a career in the IT field but has always had an interest in history. Her Connection to the Ames-Florida-Stork House began in the early 2000’s with a school field trip to the Ames/Florida/Stork House, then developed as an RAHS event volunteer through various community groups over the years; most notably decorating the historic house for Christmas each year. Reading, biking, walking and skiing keep her busy while connecting with friends and family bring her joy.
RAHS Connection:
My personal connection to the Rockford Area Historical Society began in the early 2000’s with a Rockford Elementary School field trip to the Ames/Florida/Stork House. I attended the tour as a parent volunteer and felt a draw to the house and the area’s history. I have worked with various community groups on RAHS events over the years. Most notable for me was annual Christmas decorating with the Girl Scouts, which eventually led to me leading that effort for many years. That personal connection awakened my interest for Rockford area history in general and to expand my involvement by joining the RAHS Board as a Trustee in 2020.
James Eldien, Trustee
Trustee Bio:
James moved to Rockford the fall of 2014 and immediately started volunteering at Rockford Area Historical Society events. James first joined the RAHS Board January 2019 and served two years. Rejoined the Board in January 2022. James would love to see all Rockford residents get to know the Ames Florida Stork Historic home and museum and the history behind how Rockford came to be. James enjoys volunteering in all community events including working RiverWork’s Good Eats food truck.