Doneeca Thurston who previously oversaw creative engagement for the Peabody Essex Museum is the Lynn Museum/Lynn Arts new director.
“The Board of Trustees was overwhelmingly impressed with Doneeca’s enthusiasm for the mission and collections at Lynn Museum/LynnArts as well as her passion for the city of Lynn,” Museum President Joseph Scanlon stated in a letter sent Thursday to Museum members and provided to The Item.
The letter described Thurston as a five-year Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) employee who was charged with conceiving, developing and implementing public programs for new and emerging audiences. She also created participatory programming that is aligned with PEM’s mission and connection to its collections and exhibitions.
Prior to her employment at the Peabody Essex, Thurston, according to the letter, was program assistant for the Lynn Museum & Historical Society as well as a program coordinator for the Downtown Lynn Cultural District (DTLCD). She also collaborated with Beyond Walls on their community engagement during the 2018 and 2019 Street Art Festivals.
Her hiring ends a search for a new director to succeed Drew Russo that began in the spring. Elena Hirshman-Seidel served as interim director.
“We thank Elena and Susan Walker for their efforts and look forward to their continued great work at Lynn Museum/LynnArts.
A Lynn native and Lynn Classical High School alumna who participated in Raw Art Works programs. She earned a bachelor of arts in history from Bucknell University and a master of arts in history from Northeastern University. In addition, Thurston was a graduate intern for the Black Cultural Archives at the University of Oxford in London. She also was a Graduate Curatorial Intern for the Lynn Museum and Historical Society.
“Please join me in welcoming a true Lynn success story as the next director of Lynn Museum /LynnArts,” stated Scanlon.
