America's Credit Union Museum Announces New 'Herstory' Interactive Exhibit

The Cooperative Credit Union Association and America’s Credit Union Museum announced Wednesday a new interactive exhibit that will showcase the untold stories of women making history in the credit union industry.

The exhibit, “Credit Union Women Making History – Herstory” will premiere at the American Credit Union Museum’s 20th Anniversary celebration in September 2022 in Manchester. N.H., In addition to a physical display at the museum, the exhibit will feature an online presence that shares stories through virtual visits.

In support of the “Herstory” exhibit, the CCUA will sponsor the past segment, bringing to life the stories of the visionary women who helped establish credit unions in America. The association was joined by PSCU as sponsor of the present segment of the exhibit and the Illinois Credit Union League as sponsor of the future segment.

“There are so many important women in the credit union movement whose stories have never been shared beyond their own credit unions,” ACUM Executive Director Stephanie Smith said in a prepared statement. “We are excited to bring these stories to life through this interactive exhibit as we celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the museum this year. We’re grateful for the support of these three donors, as well as CUNA Mutual Group who committed to this project in its infancy.”

CCUA President/CEO Ron McLean said it is important to remember and honor the women who helped set the foundation for the credit union movement, noting that their foresight and commitment helped others established the credit union philosophy we all live by today.

“The museum’s dedication to honoring the many incredible women in the credit union industry is inspiring,” Merry Pateuk, PSCU’s SVP for industry engagement, said. “Our shared commitment to elevating women in the credit union space makes this partnership a natural fit, and we are excited to be a part of this historical exhibit.”

Tom Kane, president/CEO of the Illinois Credit Union League, said the trade group is more than thrilled to support the future of women in the credit union industry.

“There is so much opportunity for women in the credit union movement to continue making their mark and inspiring others to continue the momentum of those who have paved the way,” he said.

The new exhibit came after the ACUM introduced on March 1 in partnership with CCUA the inaugural video series, “Moments in Credit Union History.” These video segments, sponsored by CUNA Mutual Group, feature credit union professionals sharing their unique memories from throughout their careers.

The Moments in Credit Union History series launched with a three-part interview of Dick Ensweiler, a self-proclaimed credit union enthusiast with more than 53 years in the industry who retired in 2017 as president/CEO of the Cornerstone Credit Union League. He recalled his early days working in the movement and shared his passions serving the Latino community.

“As credit unions merge, leaders retire and the credit union system continues to evolve, we risk losing important knowledge about our history,” Paul Gentile, America’s CU Museum chair and president/CEO of the $2.3 billion Merck Employees Federal Credit Union in Rahway, N.J., said. “We must preserve our history and not lose the fabric of our credit union story. We will do our part to do this through the Moments in Credit Union History series.”

Smith noted that 24 interviews have been completed for season one of Moments in Credit Union History and invited other credit union trailblazers to contact her at ssmith@acumuseum.org to share their memories and stories.

Season one is available at acumuseum.org.