Museum of Northern Arizona's Mary Kershaw

MUSEUM OF NORTHERN ARIZONAChamber Introduces MNA Executive Director Mary Kershaw

Mary Kershaw, the new Executive Director of the Museum of Northern Arizona, arrived just in time for the museum’s busy summer season, packed with cultural festivals, live music performances on Thursday evening, and the Gala fundraiser.

across disciplines,” said Kershaw, who oversaw diverse museum institutions in the United Kingdom. At different times she was responsible for a medieval abbey, a historic observatory, an 11th century hermit’s cave and a 12th century castle. Compared to those the oldest building at the Museum of Northern Arizona, the 134-year-old McMillan Homestead, is practically new.

She is taking every opportunity to meet community members and talk with museum supporters. “These initial conversations are so helpful in understanding the aspirations and potential of a museum. It is important to go beyond conversation and create opportunities for broad involvement, too,” said Kershaw. “The museum has a great reputation, so we are building from a position of strength. I look forward to exploring new partnerships for the museum, both within Flagstaff, across the Southwest, and possibly beyond."

A seasoned museum professional, Kershaw came to MNA from the New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe, where she was Director for nine years. During her tenure in Santa Fe, the museum celebrated its Centennial and launched a $12.5 million capital campaign for a new art venue.

The Museum of Northern Arizona is also counting down toward its 100th year. “In my view, the centennial is a time to look back at the origins of the museum and to understand what energy, creativity and innovation led to the foundation of the museum 100 years ago,” said Kershaw. “As we move into the next century, how can those founding values be relevant to our museum and our communities today?"

Kershaw also appreciates that the museum founders had the foresight to combine science, culture and art in a single institution, building diverse collections spanning geology, paleontology, archaeology, botany, zoology, fine art and more. “I love working with a range of collections, and seeing what creative connections and conversations emerge from working

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@7000ft | AUGUST 2019 | VOL 5, ISSUE 8 | GREATER FLAGSTAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE