Jennifer Saunders named first woman director of New York State Museum

Jennifer Saunders has been appointed as the first woman to lead the New York State Museum in its nearly 200-year history, bringing more than two decades of experience guiding cultural institutions to her new role as director when she takes over in September 2025.

Jennifer Saunders's Extensive Museum Background

Saunders brings impressive credentials to the New York State Museum, having served as Director of the Washington State Historical Society and Washington State History Museum since 2011. During her 14-year tenure in Washington, she doubled the organization's operating budget, expanded statewide services, and launched significant public programs including the multi-platform "Black History in Washington" initiative. Her accomplishments include overseeing major capital projects, reimagining core exhibitions, and establishing a $10 million statewide grant program for local museums.nysm.nysed+3

Prior to her Washington role, Saunders served as Executive Director of the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor, where she led an $11.7 million capital campaign and oversaw construction of a new museum facility. Her academic credentials include an M.Phil in Politics from the University of Oxford, where she studied as a British Marshall Scholar, and a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Wellesley College. Saunders began her nonprofit career at the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, developing expertise in nonprofit strategy and philanthropic leadership.spectrumlocalnews+2

Breaking the 200-Year Glass Ceiling

The appointment of Jennifer Saunders marks a historic milestone for the New York State Museum, breaking a 200-year pattern of male leadership at the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Following a highly competitive national search, Saunders was selected by the New York State Board of Regents and State Education Department Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa, who praised her as "a visionary leader whose commitment to inclusive storytelling, educational innovation, and community engagement aligns powerfully with the mission of the New York State Museum."nysm.nysed+2

Saunders will oversee a substantial revitalization effort backed by Governor Kathy Hochul's commitment of up to $150 million for the museum as part of a larger $400 million investment in Albany's Capital City. At a virtual press conference announcing her appointment, Saunders expressed excitement about working with museum staff and utilizing its remarkable collection of over 20 million artifacts spanning science, history, archaeology, and anthropology. She noted she looks forward to discovering more about her own family history in New York dating back to the Revolutionary War while promoting her inclusive approach to history: "I think that the approach to history is consistent, no matter where you are—or at least the approach that I embrace, and that's promoting a whole history."spectrumlocalnews+2

Washington State to Empire State

Saunders' transition from Washington to New York represents a significant geographical and historical shift in her museum leadership journey. "I'm certainly aware that what we consider deep history in Washington is relatively young on the East Coast," Saunders acknowledged during the announcement press conference. Despite this contrast, she remains confident in her approach, emphasizing that promoting inclusive, comprehensive historical narratives remains consistent regardless of location.spectrumlocalnews

The move brings Saunders closer to her own heritage, as she expressed excitement about exploring her family's New York roots dating back to the Revolutionary War. Her appointment comes at a transformative moment for the New York State Museum, with Governor Hochul committing up to $150 million for revitalization efforts as part of a broader $400 million investment in Albany's Capital City. When she assumes her role in September, Saunders will be tasked with leveraging the museum's extensive collection of over 20 million artifacts to "showcase all the stories that New York has to offer."nysm.nysed+2