Amesbury – John Mayer, executive director of the Amesbury Carriage Museum (ACM) and a passionate leader of the regional museum community, will step down from his executive position and retire this year. John is not saying ‘goodbye’ to Amesbury or to the museum. He has agreed to serve as volunteer curator and continue to share his skills and interest in researching local history.
Mayer’s announcement came as the ACM is organizing a new calendar of programs and preparing for the Spring opening of the recently completed Industrial History Center (IHC). A search has begun to replace Mayer, who has spent the last six years as the ACM executive director.
“I have been honored to lead our organization and to develop programs that connect people to their community. When history and local stories come together it can spark a passion in all of us,” says Mayer. “It has been a joy to see the ACM achieve so much.”
For the past three years, Mayer’s work has focused on the planning and buildout of the Industrial History Center (IHC) – the first physical home for the ACM programs. “This has been a long-time dream for many. We all celebrate the accomplishment of opening the IHC,” says ACM Board President Tom Pendergast. “While John will be missed, we have established a strong and resilient organization and are in a great position for our next leader.”
Mayer, who turns 68 this year, is planning to spend time restoring his historic 1813 house in Portsmouth, travel with his wife, Debora, and remain involved in the regional arts and cultural community. As John likes to say – “Here’s to great things ahead” – for him personally and for the ACM.
The Amesbury Carriage Museum has a mission to champion the history of Amesbury’s industry and people. The museum operates the Industrial History Center and an office with a research library in Amesbury’s upper millyard. For more information and a calendar of events, visit www.amesburycarriagemuseum.org. You can contact the museum by calling (978) 834-5058 or via email at info@amesburycarriagemuseum.org.
