Gunflint Trail museum and nature center adds new director position

Mark Hennessy has a deep connection to the Boundary Waters and the Gunflint Trail. That connection deepened this month when Hennessy was appointed as the first executive director at Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center at the end of the Trail.

Hennessy came on board in early February for the new position with the organization. 

Longtime Cook County resident Bonnie Schudy will continue in her role with Chik-Wauk in association with the Gunflint Trail Historical Society.

Hennessy has a residence on the Gunflint Trail and has had a lifetime connection to the area, according to the Gunflint Trail Historical Society. His connection to the Trail started when he served as a canoe guide for YMCA Camp Menogyn.  

Hennessy has spent the past 13 years as the executive director of the Minnesota Alliance of YMCA’s and as a consultant for the YMCA of the USA. Hennessy facilitated early discussions for the development of the Cook County YMCA.

WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs had the opportunity to speak with Hennessy about his new position at Chik-Wauk and his connection to the BWCA, Gunflint Trail and Cook County. Audio below.