Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum Appoints First Executive Director
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LENOX, Mass. — Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum (BSRM) announced the appointment of Melanie Seiden as its first Executive Director, marking a milestone in the organization's history.
This appointment also represents the first paid staff position for the organization, reflecting BSRM's growth and long-term vision.
As part of this leadership transition, BSRM undertook a strategic assessment guided by an experienced nonprofit consulting firm to evaluate organizational strengths, clarify priorities, and identify opportunities for long-term sustainability and impact. The assessment helped inform the decision to establish an executive leadership role and position the organization for its next phase of development.
The assessment also identified the museum's potential to emerge as a significant cultural attraction in the Berkshires, while also serving as a meaningful economic multiplier for the region. The museum's Hoosac Valley Train Ride already brings more than 10,000 visitors to northern Berkshire County each year, demonstrating its ability to attract audiences, support tourism, and contribute to local economic activity.
Central to BSRM's mission is its educational focus on making the history of railroads in Western Massachusetts relevant to contemporary audiences. The Berkshires as we know it today—its towns, industry, communities, and tourism—was shaped in large part by the arrival of the railroads. Through interpretation, programming, and hands-on experiences, the museum connects this railroad heritage to the region's modern identity, showing how railroads helped build the Berkshires' economy, culture, and sense of place.
Melanie Seiden brings strong leadership experience and a commitment to community engagement. Most recently, she served as Associate Director for Membership at the New York State Council of School Superintendents, where she led membership strategy, relationship building, and outreach across a broad network of education leaders. Her work in that role strengthened her skills in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and organizational growth—experience that will be essential as BSRM expands its programs, partnerships, and impact. Melanie impressed the selection committee with her energy, collaborative spirit, and ability to bring people together around a shared vision, making her well suited to lead the organization through this next chapter.
As Executive Director, Seiden will work closely with the Board of Directors, volunteers, and community partners to implement strategic priorities, strengthen organizational capacity, and advance BSRM's role as both a cultural destination and an educational resource.
"This is a pivotal moment for Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum," said Tom Delasco, Museum President. "Our strategic assessment made clear that Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum needed to evolve to remain viable. We faced a choice: reinvent ourselves for the future or develop an exit strategy to close. Melanie's energy, collaborative approach, and vision make her the ideal leader to guide us into this next chapter."
