Peabody-Essex Welcomes First Woman CEO To Nation's Oldest Museum

SALEM, MA — The nation's oldest continuously operating museum will welcome the first woman chief executive officer in its history in August.

The Peabody Essex Museum has tabbed Royal Ontario Museum of Toronto chief innovation officer Lynda Roscoe Hartigan as its next CEO. Hartigan, who has previously worked at the museum as its chief curator and depury director, begins on Aug. 23.

"It is a tremendous honor to lead PEM, an organization whose focus on the potential of creativity, cultural understanding, and innovation are more relevant and needed than ever," Hartigan said in a statement. "This is a pivotal moment for museums to stimulate conversation and connection with empathy and courage.

"I am passionate about ensuring that PEM welcomes all people to explore our shared humanity through the power of the arts and cultural expression."

She replaces Brian Kennedy, who left the museum after just 18 months at the end of 2020.

Hartigan comes to Salem from Canada's largest and most visited museum where she also serves as the deputy director for collections and research.

"We are thrilled to have Lynda at the helm, leading PEM boldly into the future," PEM Board of Trustees Chair Stuart W. Pratt said. "As the museum emerges from the pandemic and what has been the most extraordinary chapter in its 221-year history, Lynda's leadership will provide a collaborative, confident spirit and an expansive vision for our staff, supporters, and community at large."

Hartigan was the PEM's first chief curator in 2003 and was elevated to deputy director in 2016. The museum said Hartigan was "integral to developing and advancing the museum's collection stewardship, fundraising, education, digital and global leadership initiatives."

Hartigan is considered the leading scholar on American artist Joseph Cornell and specializes in American art — especially modern, folk and Black artists.

She has also served as the chief curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington.

Hartigan graduated with a degree in art history from Bucknell University and earned her master's degree in art history from George Washington University. She attended the Getty Leadership Institute and is a board member of the Association of Art Museum Curators.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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