This episode of the Nonprofit Report features Lynda Roscoe Hartigan, Executive Director and CEO of the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM). The conversation explores the museum’s rich history, expansive collections, and commitment to creating meaningful connections between art, culture, science, and community. Hartigan discusses how museums can serve as dynamic spaces for learning, discovery, and engagement while remaining relevant to contemporary audiences.
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Guest:
- Lynda Roscoe Hartigan, The Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Executive Director and CEO, Peabody Essex Museum
Key Points
- The Peabody Essex Museum describes itself as a museum of art, culture, and science, reflecting its broad mission and collections.
- PEM’s history stems from the merger and evolution of several institutions, creating a museum with deep regional roots and global reach.
- The museum’s collections span a wide range of cultures and disciplines, including American, Asian, Native American, African, Oceanic, maritime, and contemporary works.
- Exhibitions are designed to encourage visitors to discover new connections and perspectives through art and cultural experiences.
- Community engagement and accessibility remain central to the museum’s mission and long-term success.
Other Points on Museums and Cultural Engagement
The Peabody Essex Museum has a unique history that reflects both local heritage and global perspectives. Its roots can be traced to early institutions focused on science, maritime history, and regional culture, which eventually evolved into the museum visitors experience today. This history continues to influence PEM’s mission and approach to collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting cultural works.
A major theme of the discussion was the breadth of the museum’s collections. The museum presents art and artifacts from diverse cultures and time periods, offering visitors opportunities to explore different traditions, histories, and viewpoints. This diversity helps position the museum as both a regional institution and a globally relevant cultural resource.
Hartigan emphasized the importance of creating engaging experiences that encourage visitors to return repeatedly. Because exhibitions, collections, and object groupings evolve over time, visitors can discover something new with each visit. This approach helps transform museums from static repositories into active spaces for exploration and learning.
The conversation also highlighted the role museums play in building community. By welcoming families, students, scholars, and visitors from diverse backgrounds, institutions like PEM create opportunities for shared experiences and dialogue. Through thoughtful programming and accessible cultural offerings, museums can strengthen connections between people and the broader world around them.
Watch the Peabody Essex Museum’s Fireside Chat series with Lynda Hartigan and listen in on Lynda’s interview on Museum Confidential.