The Current has learned that Marblehead Museum Executive Director Lauren McCormack is resigning effective June 30. She has been at the museum since 2018.
“As much as I love the museum, I just can’t do the three-hour round trip commute everyday anymore (I live in central Mass). I have accepted a position as executive director of Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area and start there in early July,” McCormack wrote in an email.
She added about Marblehead Museum: “We are in the process of hiring a new ED. The job has been posted on NEMA Jobs and HireCulture, the go-to sites for museum professionals looking for jobs.”
Asked about her biggest accomplishment in Marblehead, McCormack said, “The purchase, renovation and now opening (June 1) of the Jeremiah Lee Brick Kitchen has been my greatest accomplishment. Of course, it was done with the generosity and assistance of so many — too many to name. The opening of the Standley Goodwin Research Center and the inaugural exhibit on the first floor, “Resistance & Resilience: Slavery and Freedom in Marblehead,” brings the museum into a new phase of operation.”
Marblehead has several events planned for America’s 250th birthday, some of which have already happened. McCormack has been key in that planning.
“It is certainly sad to leave during the 250th,” she said. “I’ve been proud of my work with the Marblehead 250 committee. Together, we have put together a robust set of programming for 2026. I’m sure the community will continue to work together for the remainder of the anniversary years. And soon it will be time for the town to look to its 400th.”
McCormack has been a highly effective director, securing grants and expanding Marblehead’s look at its Black and Indigenous history.
“I have loved my time at the Marblehead Museum in no small part because of the amazing staff, volunteers and community members I have had the opportunity to work with. It is truly wonderful to work in a town that so values its history.” I will miss everyone”
