PHILOMATH — A skilled fund-raiser with a strong museum background will be the new executive director of the Benton County Historical Society.

Victoria "Ann" Schirado of Sacramento, Calif., takes the reins of the institution on April 1.

Schirado is the chief development officer of the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, which is in the midst of a $75 million campaign to triple its size.

She's looking forward to facing a new fund-raising challenge in Oregon, said Alice Rampton, historical society board president.

"We're so excited she's coming," Rampton added.

The Benton County Historical Society is progressing with a $6.1 million project, which includes the reopening of the Horner Museum in downtown Corvallis. So far, $3.3 million has been raised.

Schirado was the unanimous choice of the museum's director search committee, beating out 12 other candidates from throughout the nation.

"She has a wonderful background in museum studies, and it ranges from directing to working with corporate relations," Rampton said. But her appeal went beyond the resume.

"She has a super personality. She's warm, she's friendly, she's outgoing. You meet her, and you are happy that you did," Rampton added.

Schirado has some big shoes to fill, though.

Bill Lewis, the museum director for more than 20 years, resigned this summer in response to changes in his retirement package. He presided over the society and its Benton County Historical Museum as they gained more prominence, respect and artifacts.

More prestige could be on the way with the reopening of the Horner Museum.

The collection used to be open for viewing in the Gill Coliseum basement, but Oregon State University closed it because of budget cuts in 1995. The Horner items are being packed up and will be housed in the renovated Copeland Lumber building at Southwest Second Street and Adams Avenue in Corvallis.

Local business leaders think the new museum will provide a boost for downtown.

Also part of the project is a $1 million endowment and $500,000 worth of maintenance to the Benton County Historical Museum building in Philomath.

"That's the greatest artifact in the whole society," Rampton said.