Norman Rockwell Museum Expands Senior Leadership and Innovation Plans

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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass.— Norman Rockwell Museum (NRM) announced the recent addition of new executive positions. 
 
Joining the team is Sue Elliott, appointed to the Museum's newly created position of Chief Audience Officer; she will oversee the newly formed Audience Engagement division. Elliott joins recently appointed staff Alyssa Blumenthal, the new Director of Public Operations and Visitor Engagement, and Chris Kupernik, Director of Facilities and Safety.
 
"These exemplary leaders with diverse experience and new perspectives from beyond the museum world, join forces with our accomplished professional team to play integral roles in ongoing strategic development, equity, access, inclusion, and innovation at NRM," said Director/CEO Laurie Norton Moffatt.
 
As the Museum strives to meet future goals the organization has reorganized around serving audiences with enhanced research and data analysis. During the pandemic, participation by new audiences grew with web-based programs and events, reaching new international audiences and expanding civic engagement. A key element to this growth is balancing resources devoted to onsite exhibitions and programming with the opportunity to engage world-wide audiences through online offerings. 
 
NRM's new Chief Audience Officer, Sue Elliott, will work with curatorial, digital, visitor, and education teams and local, national, and international collaborators to transform the way in which the museum creates programming that engages people of all ages through in-person and online activities and events.
 
"I am honored to join NRM at this pivotal time, continuing my life's work of bringing people together to create a more civil society through shared artistic experiences. By expanding and diversifying our engagement efforts for both in-person and online visitors of all ages, in the Berkshires and around the world, and reconsidering the ways in which we build community, NRM looks boldly forward to greater connectivity and impact in the future," Elliott said. I look forward to collaborating with illustrators, curators, educators, and our current and future audiences for many years to come."
 
A new Audience Engagement division will incorporate and build on the  work that Rich Bradway has led for six years as Director of Digital Learning & Engagement. Bradway's role will expand to that of Digital Innovation Officer. This larger, dedicated digital arm of the Museum will incorporate additional technology, data, and digital production support. Museum is currently seeking to hire a Technology Coordinator.

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Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
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