OLD LYME, CONN.- The Trustees of the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut have announced that Joshua Campbell Torrance of Wethersfield will take the reins of the 75-year-old cultural institution beginning February 6, 2023. After former Director Rebekah Beaulieu left the Museum in August to become the President and CEO of the Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati, Ohio, a nationwide search was launched by the recruitment firm Museum Search & Reference. The perfect candidate was found in our own state. Torrance brings over 22 years of experience as Executive Director to his new post. “I’d like to thank the Museum’s search committee for moving the process along to a quick completion and in particular Kay Knight Clarke, chair of the committee, for her knowledge, expertise, and steadfast leadership,” states Deborah Moore, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the board and staff, we are delighted to welcome Joshua. His commitment to community-centered projects aligns perfectly with our strategic plan.”

As Executive Director of the Webb Deane Stevens Museum in Wethersfield Torrance oversaw the opening of the site’s 9,300-square-foot education and visitor center, increased contributed income, managed the rebranding of the museum, and deepened its connection to the greater Hartford region. Prior to coming to Connecticut, Torrance helmed the Bennington Museum in Vermont through the COVID-19 pandemic. For nearly 20 years he guided the Woodlawn Museum, Gardens & Park in Ellsworth, Maine. During this time Torrance transformed the all-volunteer historic house and 180-acre public park into a thriving, community-centered institution. Chair of the Museum’s search committee Kay Knight Clarke notes, "Joshua understands what the FloGris needs to do to achieve its plans and has the tools to lead us there."

Torrance, a native of Ohio, received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Elmira College in New York and carries two Masters degrees, a Master of Arts in history with a public history concentration, from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts in history museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program. He and his wife Jennifer have two teenaged children, Sophie Eliza 17, and Noah Campbell 16. He is eager to connect with his new community and engage further with statewide artistic and cultural organizations. Of his new position Torrance states, “I am honored that the search committee and board have placed their trust in me. The Florence Griswold Museum has a stellar reputation and an outstanding team. I am eager to continue the great progress that has been made over the years and help to advance the Museum’s next chapter.”

The Florence Griswold Museum, located in the heart of historic Old Lyme, Connecticut, has been called a “Giverny in Connecticut” by the Wall Street Journal, and a “must-see” by the Boston Globe. In addition to the restored Florence Griswold House, the Museum features a gallery for changing art exhibitions, education and landscape centers, a restored artist’s studio, twelve acres along the Lieutenant River, the Robert F. Schumann Artists’ Trail, and extensive gardens. Its seasonal Café Flo was recognized as “best outdoor dining” by Connecticut Magazine. The Museum offers a full slate of exhibitions, programs, virtual tours, and online resources.