LYNN — The centerpiece of Lynn Museum’s Fall Fundraiser Friday night is a remarkable diorama of the former narrow gauge passenger railroad that traveled between Lynn and East Boston until 1940. Painstakingly researched and built by Todd Gieg, it re-creates the Lynn of 1895.
That train theme roars through most of the fundraiser’s fun events. DJ Seth Albaum will spin songs that have a locomotive connection, and staff member Susan Walker has created a special gin cocktail that attendees will choo-choo-choose to try. There will also be a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, and auction.
And Doneeca Thurston, the new conductor of Lynn Museum/Lynn Arts, is giving the “all aboard” invitation to residents interested in learning more about the city’s history showcase.
“And this will be one of the first opportunities for me to meet with folks in my new role as director,” said Thurston, a Lynn native and 2008 Classical High graduate, who succeeded Drew Russo about five weeks ago. Elena Hirshman-Seidel had served as interim director.
“Me, being from Lynn, I want everyone to know about the city’s history and this wonderful museum. So many people come in here and say ‘I’ve lived in Lynn for years and I never knew this existed.’ We want everyone in the community to discover this place.
“It was always a dream of mine to be director here. But I expected it might happen when I was in my 40s, not when I’m 29,” Thurston said. “I’m very excited about 2020. It’s going to be a great year for Lynn Museum and LynnArts.”
Thurston, who was in charge of creative programs at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem for the past five years, sports an impressive résumé. She earned a Master of Arts in Public History at Northeastern University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Bucknell University (she was the first student from Lynn to receive a Posse Foundation scholarship). An alumna of Raw Art Works and former program coordinator for the Downtown Lynn Cultural District and the Beyond Walls Street Art Festival, she returns to the museum where she was a graduate curatorial intern during her school days.
“In high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. My dad wanted me to be a WNBA player, but I’m not that great at basketball,” she said, then smiled. “My parents always encouraged me to find and follow my own path. Great teachers helped me discover that history could be exciting. Math and science were never my cup of tea. But history got me.”
Thurston thanks Hirshman-Seidel, Walker and other staff members for encouragement and for keeping the ship sailing. “They are all wonderful and the amount of support I’ve received is super-overwhelmingly positive.”
Lynn Museum’s Fall Fundraiser, Friday, Nov. 15; 6:30-7 p.m.: members-only champagne reception; 7-9 p.m. all guests. Cost: $65 per person/$120 per couple at the door or www.lynnmuseum.org
