The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of Connecticut (NSCDA-CT), the governing board of the Webb Deane Stevens Museum, announces that current executive director Joshua Campbell Torrance will be stepping down from his position at the end of January to lead the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut. The Society has begun the process of searching for a new executive director.
Torrance came to the Webb Deane Stevens Museum from the Bennington Museum in November 2020. During his tenure, the Museum opened the Holcombe Education Center, rebranded, formed the Museum Council, and hosted the Wethersfield Antiques Show. New programs and exhibitions deepened the Museum’s connection to the Wethersfield community. Just recently, the Museum was awarded Reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums.
Sally Kernan, president of the Society, said, “We are incredibly grateful for Joshua’s leadership. Over the last several years, he was able to connect the Museum to the greater Hartford community through innovative programs and successful collaborations with area organizations. He developed new audiences, increased visitation, and built a strong team. We are sorry to lose him, but we understand it’s a wonderful opportunity for Joshua and his family.”
Torrance said, “It’s very hard to leave the Webb Deane Stevens Museum, and I am grateful to the Society for the opportunity to lead the Museum. I will miss the talented staff and dedicated board but look forward to seeing it continue to grow and thrive as it enters its next chapter.”
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of Connecticut has established a Search Committee to lead an extensive search for the next executive director.