(Oneida, NY – Jan. 2016) The Oneida Community Mansion House Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Kevin Coffee who will replace Patricia A. Hoffman as Executive Director following her retirement in April, 2016.
Coffee is a museum scholar, archaeologist and educator and holds post-graduate degrees (MA) in museum studies and in archaeology from the University of Leicester in the UK. Over the past three decades he has advised philanthropic individuals, museums and other non-profit organizations on the preservation and interpretation of material culture, buildings and landscapes in North America, Asia and Europe.
As a museum officer, Coffee has directed exhibits and exhibit planning for the American Museum of Natural History in New York; planned programs and exhibits for Liberty Science Center in New Jersey; and planned and directed creation of the Chicago Academy of Sciences nature museum in Lincoln Park. He has also taught in the undergraduate and graduate programs at Columbia College Chicago, Seton Hall University and Pratt Institute.
“I am excited to join with the Oneida Community Mansion House trustees and staff to further enable and expand public participation and steward the essential activities of preserving and interpreting the Mansion House, collections, and site, now and for future generations, “ Coffee said.
Current director, Patricia A. Hoffman, retires after 11 years with the organization. In acknowledging the growth the organization has achieved during Hoffman’s tenure, Chairman of the Board Jonathan Pawlika noted an exponential expansion of the collections, together with its professional management and care; increased outreach through rotating exhibits, collaborations, and other on- and off-site programs; bringing the museum into the digital age; leading the board to think boldly on ways of linking the past and present and envision the organization as a resource for historic preservation; and keeping the organization financially sound in the midst of the post-2008 economic downturn.
“I know I speak for the entire organization when I say that Pat will be greatly missed,” said Pawlika, “and, she can take tremendous pride in what she has accomplished.”
The Oneida Community Mansion House is located at 170 Kenwood Ave., Oneida, NY.
For information, call 315-363-0745 or visit www.oneidacommunity.org.