The Morris-Jumel Mansion Proudly
Announces the Appointment of a new Executive Director
September 18th, 2013 – There’s always something new at Manhattan’s oldest house and here’s the latest news:
The Morris-Jumel Mansion Museum is pleased to announce the selection of Carol S. Ward as the Mansion’s new Executive Director. Ms. Ward began working at the Mansion in the summer of 2008 as the Director of Education and Public Programs and in that capacity instituted an expanded school tour roster which increased the number of NYC Public School students attending field studies from 3,000 in 2008 to 7,000 students this past year. She also developed new public programming for both families and adults which assisted in bringing new audiences to the Mansion. Earlier this year, Ms. Ward was promoted to Deputy Director and not long thereafter named Interim Executive Director. Ms. Ward will now oversee all the general operations of the Mansion, and continue to further the mission of the museum through the development of exciting and engaging programs, educational offerings and exhibitions.
This past summer has seen a dramatic increase in Morris-Jumel attendance, an increase attributable in part to an exhibition curated by Ms. Ward, “The Loves of Aaron Burr: Portraits in Corsetry & Binding.” Another exhibition she will be curating “Unpacked,” an examination of social and political conflicts opens at the Mansion on October 17th, 2013. She has also continued to oversee restoration of the Mansion’s Sunken Garden, a project being funded for a second year that ensures that Washington Heights residents, families and students will have a green space to call their own in the urban environment of New York City.
Ms. Ward has also developed and expanded the “The Morris-Jumel Mansion Culture and Arts Festival,” a community based event which is entering its third year. This year’s event, on Saturday, October 12, will be headlined by Lin-Manuel Miranda (of In The Heights fame), who will be premiering three song selections from his new musical, “The Hamilton Mix-Tape.”
James Kerr, President of the Board of Trustees of Morris-Jumel Mansion, welcomed the appointment: “Carol brings great energy and enthusiasm to the position, and in a few short months as Interim Executive Director has convinced everyone who has worked with her that she is in every respect the right person for the job. I wholeheartedly believe that her appointment marks the beginning of a bright and promising new era for Morris-Jumel.”