Renae Kerrigan | Curator of Science and Director of the Dome Planetarium

Arguably the most dynamic and influential science educator in the Peoria region today is Renae Kerrigan, the youngest person and first woman to serve as curator of science and planetarium director at the only multidisciplinary museum of its kind in the nation. Renae reaches and teaches thousands of area schoolchildren annually, more than 50,000 people overall, and has served in a succession of roles worthy of any top-tier international museum.

Renae has been working at the Peoria Riverfront Museum and its predecessor, Lakeview Museum, since she was an intern from Bradley University in 2009. Throughout her career she has worked in various positions in the Education Department and Collections department, and developed a deep love of learning and helping others learn. 

As curator of science, Renae has curated several exhibitions, including Insects and Duryea: America's First Car Company . 

Under Renae's leadership, planetarium special events have regularly sold out. She is a popular guest of area radio and television shows.

 Fun Fact: Renae loves to garden, and in the summer her family grows about half of all the food they eat. Her favorite thing about the museum is the culture of curiosity that is supported and encouraged, and how she gets to learn about new topics with each new exhibition.

Contact Information: 

Work:309-863-3030

Rkerrigan@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org