Kathy Maher
Kathleen is a renowned expert in historic preservation, disaster recovery, and museum innovation, celebrated for her leadership in transforming the Barnum Museum into a National Historic Landmark and New England’s first immersive, tech-driven history destination. Her humor, perseverance, grit, and unyielding determination define her character, as she tirelessly champions urban revitalization and cultural heritage on national and international platforms.
Member Since
November 2024
Kathleen Maher, Executive Director of the Barnum Museum, is a distinguished expert in historic preservation and museum innovation with 37 years of experience. She is widely recognized for her deep knowledge of Phineas Taylor Barnum and his significant contributions to American history. Maher’s career is marked by a commitment to the integration of history, storytelling, arts, and technology in museum programming. She has conceived and led numerous award-winning exhibitions and public programs focused on 19th-century social and historical themes, but she is especially noted for her leadership during the Barnum Museum’s remarkable disaster recovery. After the Museum was devastated by an EF1 tornado in 2010, followed by two hurricanes in 2011-2012, Maher championed the museum’s $50MM capital recovery initiative, navigating the complex restoration process. Her perseverance led to the Barnum Museum’s designation as a National Historic Landmark in 2023, marking a major milestone in its recovery.
As a visionary leader, Maher is overseeing the transformation of the Barnum Museum into New England’s first technological, immersive history destination, combining cutting-edge technology with rich historical narratives to engage a global audience. She is committed to using the power of arts, culture, and heritage as tools for urban revitalization and economic development. Maher actively advocates for these causes on national and international stages, often speaking at conferences and participating in high-profile media appearances. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2019 Tourism Leader of the Year award from the State of Connecticut. In addition to her role at the Museum, Maher has held multiple key gubernatorial appointments, serves as a community advisor, and has been a field reviewer for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. She holds an MA from the prestigious Costume Institute at NYU’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and is regularly featured in media outlets such as PBS, NPR, the BBC, TED, and History Channel.
Ask me about
Holy cow…surviving and persevering through major natural disaster impacts. Those depths can ignite powerful innovation, creativity and imagination. Ask me how does facing the depths of adversity truly sparks the courage and resilience needed to transform and rebuild, and what role do the champions you bring alongside you play in that process? There are happy endings that can change the world!
My super power is
I possess a bizarre ability to see a measurement point in space that is typically accurate within mere centimeters…comes in darn handy when you’re hanging an exhibition.
I'm looking for
To finally and fully transform the historic museum into a vibrant hub of innovation and learning. After a long and challenging journey, we are finally nearing the light at the end of the tunnel. This has been more than a job and restoration; it’s been about reimagining an iconic place that will inspire future generations. Every obstacle has fueled my passion, and now, the excitement of bringing this vision to life drives me every day. And peace. Peace isn’t something that only comes at the end of the journey; it’s something I have to cultivate along the way, helping me stay focused, grounded, and inspired to keep pushing forward.
What I love about experience design
I absolutely love the feeling of a breakthrough! There’s something exhilarating about navigating a creative challenge, working through complexities, and finally reaching that “aha” moment, it’s a rush of energy and clarity all at once. I thrive in situations that demand innovative solutions, especially when the path isn’t straightforward. There’s a deep joy in the pursuit, and when you finally arrive at the solution, it’s nothing short of thrilling. And dogs!
Best piece of advice I've ever heard
Wife of my Congressmen: “…love the challenges” 50 Cent: “…pray or worry, don’t do both” Mark Twain: ‘The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.’ I’m on day three 😊
Where I find Inspiration
The amazing women in my life inspire me constantly. Smart, accomplished, passionate and loving. I know I’m blessed to have this. And when I’m feeling defeated – Teddy Roosevelt’s Man in the Arena speech. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A311CnTjfos
Practice Area
Digital Experiences, Exhibition, Placemaking, Strategy/Research/Planning
Focus Area
Destination Experiences, Digital, Exhibition, Interactive, Interpretive
Industry
Education, Entertainment, Museums