The Longmont Museum has named long-time Curator of History Erik Mason as its new director. Mason has been with the Museum for 27 years and is widely recognized as the voice of history for the community. He holds an M.A. in History Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program of the State University of New York at Oneonta, and in 2020 he wrote a comprehensive book about the history of the region entitled, “Longmont: The First 150 Years.”
Longmont Museum Director Erik Mason
“I have been a part of the Museum as it has grown from a small, converted warehouse to the beautiful 30,000 square foot facility we enjoy now,” said Mason. “It is such an honor to now take on this new role as the director as we plan for an exciting expansion.”
The Museum has announced an $8 million capital campaign, kicking off with a groundbreaking on Sept. 15. The campaign will fund a comprehensive expansion, including a complete renovation of the outdoor courtyard, adding a dedicated children’s gallery, and doubling the size of the existing gallery space, among other enhancements.
Mason begins in his new role starting today, July 24.
The Museum’s previous director, Kim Manajek, left at the end of March after accepting a position at the helm of The Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins. Mason was chosen from a pool of more than 100 applicants after serving as the interim director since April. It was the fourth time Mason has served in this transitional role.
The Museum’s current special exhibition, “agriCULTURE: Art Inspired by the Land,” is a collaborative, contemporary art exhibit pairing more than 15 artists with Boulder County farmers to create new, site-specific visual works inspired by farming and the natural world. The Museum also houses the 250-seat Stewart Auditorium, built in 2015, which provides a premier performance space for small musical ensembles, films, lectures, theatre and dance. Other programs offered at the Museum include summer camps, adult art classes, school tours, and the early childhood program Discovery Days.
“I am excited to help the Museum continue its tradition of excellence and community engagement, bringing in a variety of high-quality exhibitions and programs for all ages,” Mason said. “I’m incredibly grateful to have such a talented team to make an even better Longmont Museum a reality.”