20 Under 40: Hayes Scriven

Hayes Scriven, 35, Two Harbors

What do you do?

I am the executive director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. I manage the day-to-day operation of the center. That includes fundraising, membership development, program development and volunteer recruitment. Basically, if the center does it, I am involved somehow.

Education

I have a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Community involvement

• Rotary Club (Superior).
• Friends of Edna G. and City of Two Harbors Tugboat Commission.
• Defeat of Jesse James Days (Northfield, Minn.).
• Northland History Coalition.

 
Tell us about your loved ones

I have a wife, Jenny. We have been married for 11 years, and she is a paraprofessional for the Lake Superior School District in Two Harbors. My daughter, Aneliese, is 10 and an amazing ballerina who loves bunnies and camping. My son, Devin, is 7. He is learning karate and football, loves camping, riding his bike and anything outside.

What do you do in your free time?

My family loves to camp in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This year, I will make four trips to that amazing wilderness. I also love hunting turkey, pheasant and ducks. I host trivia at Castle Danger every Tuesday and I am an avid video gamer.

Tell us about an influential person in your life

One of the many influential people in my life is my grandfather. When I was young he exposed me to the BWCAW and the wilderness. He instilled in me the importance to be outdoors and enjoy it. I have taken that approach with my kids and am very happy that they would rather be out in the woods than sit inside.

What's the best decision you've ever made?

It all started when I decided to follow my now-wife to UMD. I obtained my history degree, made some lifelong friends, found my passion for local history and started a family at an early age.  

What is your biggest accomplishment?

It was probably the last 15 months of my job as executive director of the Northfield Historical Society. In that timeframe I was able to finalize the loan of an exhibit development of the Henry Wheeler long gun that was used by Wheeler in defending the town's bank against the James-Younger Gang. I also finalized the transfer of the Malt-O-Meal Cereal Company archives/collections to the museum and also set up an endowment to care for the collection long term. Those last few months were full of activity and great success for preserving important history.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

We just moved here. I believe this is the most amazing, beautiful area in Minnesota and Wisconsin. There are so many outdoor activities, you could never be bored.

Describe your happy place

On a lake up north, in a canoe, with a fishing pole in my hand and a loon just in front of me in the water.

What’s your five-year plan?

My five-year plan is to be here, still running the Bong Center, increasing attendance and membership each year. Personally, I will hope to have completed a destination hunting and fishing trip. I also hope I will be able to travel a little bit more.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

Believe in yourself. Don't doubt your skill level. I became an executive director at 22 and it took many years before I believed in myself and what I was doing. Surround yourself with people that are experts in the areas that you are weak in because you are not good at everything. Then, don't be afraid to ask for help. If you believe in yourself and surround yourself with good people, you will go far. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for the moon and take a chance.