Stephanie Hartman is the Director of Education and Collections Management at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens in Rockford, IL. With a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Northern Illinois University (2019) and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education from Rockford University, Stephanie has dedicated her career to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Rockford and its surrounding areas. 

She joined the Board at Macktown Living History in March 2024, motivated by her deep passion for history and her desire to create innovative ways for people to connect with the past. In her role at Macktown, Stephanie leverages her curatorial expertise to contribute to the research and development of new exhibits at the Macktown Education Center, helping to bring the rich history of the area to life. 

Stephanie’s favorite aspect of Macktown is its unique and compelling history, particularly that of the Macktown settlers. Although the settlement was short-lived, from approximately 1835 to 1851, the ambitious vision of Stephen Mack, Jr. for the town, which ultimately did not come to fruition, captivates her. She finds it fascinating to explore his grand ideas and to gain a deeper understanding of him as a person through the preserved correspondences at Macktown. 

Stephanie believes that Macktown is a hidden treasure in the Rockton area, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to actively engage in historical research and interpretation. Through archaeology and activity days, Macktown allows individuals to deepen their connection to the past and gain a better understanding of the world around us. She encourages others to get involved at Macktown as a way to advocate for these enriching experiences and to contribute to the preservation of local history.