Press

Jaclyn Keegan
(518) 474-1201
Press@nysed.gov
www.nysed.gov

Renowned Museum Leader Brent D. Glass, Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, to Lead the Search Process

The New York State Museum today launched a national search for its next Museum Director, with Dr. Brent D. Glass, Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, leading the effort. With decades of experience in museum leadership, cultural diplomacy, and historical preservation, Dr. Glass is uniquely positioned to guide this important search as the Museum seeks a visionary leader to shape its future.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young Jr. said, “We stand at a pivotal moment where preserving our history, educating the public, and advancing the work of our dedicated researchers and scientists at the State Museum is more important than ever. This critical work requires a forward-thinking, innovative leader at the helm. We are honored to have Dr. Glass spearhead the effort to identify such a candidate."

Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa said, “It is a tremendous privilege to have Dr. Brent Glass leading this national search. His unmatched leadership at the Smithsonian, paired with his deep collaborations with cultural institutions worldwide, make him exactly the partner we need to identify a visionary new Director for our State Museum. As we look ahead, the Museum is poised to expand its educational outreach, strengthen its research initiatives, and reimagine exhibitions that celebrate the boundless history of the Empire State. We are confident that under Dr. Glass’s guidance, we will find a leader whose passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence will help us build on our proud legacy to usher in a dynamic new chapter for the Museum.”

Dr. Glass said, “I am truly honored to lead the search for the next Director of the New York State Museum. The Museum stands on the threshold of an exciting new era—its longstanding commitment to documenting and celebrating New York’s rich and diverse heritage positions it for remarkable growth and innovation. I am confident we will attract outstanding candidates from across the nation who are eager to guide this institution into its bright future.”

A public historian and an influential voice in the museum field, Dr. Glass served as Director of the National Museum of American History from 2002 to 2011. During his tenure, he led a landmark two-year, $120 million renovation that included 20 new exhibitions—among them the acclaimed Star-Spangled Banner and On the Water: Stories from Maritime America—and dramatically increased attendance. He continues to be an active consultant and advisor to cultural and educational institutions worldwide, as well as a frequent participant in U.S. State Department public diplomacy programs.

Since founding his consulting firm in 2011, Dr. Glass has guided more than ninety cultural and educational organizations in executive recruitment, board development, fundraising, and strategic planning. Among his clients are the Presidio Trust in San Francisco, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation in Springfield, Illinois, the First Bank of the United States in Philadelphia, and the Sing Sing Prison Museum in Ossining, New York. He has worked with the DeVos Institute for Arts Management at the University of Maryland and as an advisor on many cultural diplomacy projects including with Portugal, Slovenia, Lithuania, China, Russia, Egypt, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam.

The New York State Museum, located in Albany, proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest state museum in the nation. Its expansive collections, spanning everything from prehistoric artifacts to modern-day treasures, serve as the foundation for groundbreaking research, transformative educational programs, and wide-reaching public engagement. The Museum seeks a Director with a proven track record of turning visionary ideas into tangible outcomes—someone whose decisive leadership and emphasis on execution will steer the institution boldly forward. Through innovative exhibitions, expanded community outreach, and robust partnerships, the next Director will ensure that the Museum continues to thrive as a compelling resource—one that resonates with every corner of our diverse state and inspires generations of New Yorkers.

Find additional information and the job application here.

About the New York State Museum

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State’s rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 1.1 billion years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum's website.

About Dr. Brent D. Glass

Dr. Brent D. Glass is Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and a national leader in the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of U.S. history. Before joining the Smithsonian, he served from 1987 to 2002 as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, overseeing the largest and most comprehensive state history program in the country—which included 25 historical sites and museums, the State Archives, the State Historic Preservation Office, public history programs, and historical publications. He holds a doctorate from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in American Studies from New York University, and a bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College. Dr. Glass has served as a member of many boards and commissions, including the Flight 93 Memorial Advisory Commission in Pennsylvania.

###