Bennington Museum is pleased to announce that long-time resident David Pilachowski has accepted the role of interim executive director following the unexpected resignation of Joshua Campbell Torrance. A 21-year resident of Bennington, David is Emeritus Director of Libraries at Williams College, where he led the initiative to build the new Sawyer Library. Since his retirement from Williams, David has had a successful second career as an organizational and planning consultant. David currently serves on Bennington Museum’s board of trustees and will take an extended leave of absence from his trustee position to become Interim Executive Director.

Constance West, board chair, said “We are fortunate to have David as interim director during this transition. He is well known in Bennington as a community leader with a stellar professional reputation.” Mr. Pilachowski will begin October 1^st and work with Mr. Torrance until his departure.

The Board of Trustees continues the Museum’s strategic planning initiative. This includes a careful evaluation of how the Museum intends to serve the greater Bennington region, the role of the Museum in the community, and how the Museum can fulfil its educational mission. While it considers its options, the Museum is committed to the care and preservation of its important collections.

The Museum will continue its Friday evening and Saturday afternoon events in the courtyard, remain open for guests, and continue its focus on virtual programming for students of all ages.

Gathering community input is critical to the Museum’s planning process and success. The board has held several focus groups, sought opinions from stakeholders, and is planning additional outreach efforts this Fall. “We are excited by the many possibilities that arise when we look at how we can best serve our region,” remarked Ms. West, “and want input from the community.” Your ideas and thoughts can be sent via email to [email protected].

Mr. Torrance leaves Bennington Museum after a brief but successful tenure. He led the Museum during the pandemic and brought innovative programming to the Museum. He is moving his family to Connecticut to assume the directorship of the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum. His decision to leave is driven by personal reasons: the need to be closer to his family as well as his wife’s need to be closer to her employer The Jackson Laboratory where she is the Manager of Brand Strategy.

Torrance said, “Bennington Museum has a bright future, a dedicated board, and committed staff. I am sorry I am not able to continue the progress we made together. I look forward to hearing about the Museum’s success in the years to come.”

Bennington Museum is located at 75 Main Street (Route 9) in Bennington in The Shires of Vermont. The Museum is open Friday-Monday and is offering a host of virtual programming. Visit the museum’s website www.benningtonmuseum.org or call 802-447-1571 for more information.