Patricia Murphy (center), executive director of the Oberlin Heritage Center, laughs with Beverly Miller and Camille Allen at the Center’s annual meeting and Community Awards dinner on Wednesday. This is Murphy’s last annual dinner as the director of OHC, as she plans to retire at the end of August after 22 years in the position.

“I have found it very rewarding personally and professionally to help the organization become a strong community and visitor resource over the past 22 years,” said Murphy in a press release. “It has been a tremendous gift to work and live in a community with such amazingly talented, caring and generous people who appreciate and support the preservation and interpretation of Oberlin’s rich history and its wealth of historic buildings.”

During her time as director, she helped the Oberlin Heritage Center gain accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, register downtown Oberlin as a historic district and reconstruct the New Union Center for the Arts tower. Currently, the 112 -year-old organization has about 700 members, and the organizers at the Center plan to continue providing tours, lectures and educational programs.

OHC Board of Trustees President Nicholas Jones said the Heritage Center thrived under Murphy’s leadership.

“We are sad to see Pat leave but deeply grateful for the visionary leadership she has shown over these two decades,” Jones said. “With her high professional standards and her unstinting concern for the welfare of Oberlin, Pat has been a great asset both to the Heritage Center and to the community. She is leaving OHC in a very positive position.”

The Center plans to begin the search for her successor this month.