HAGERSTOWN, MD.- The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts announced that Executive Director Sarah J. Hall will be stepping down from her position, effective December 18, 2026, to become Director of Galleries at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Hall has led WCMFA since July 2020, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in museums, exhibitions, collections, and public programming to the role. During her six-year tenure, she guided the Museum through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, expanded online programming, strengthened and diversified the exhibition program, helping to build the reputation of the Museum as a Mid-Atlantic destination and raise regional awareness of its high-quality collection and programs.

Among the notable exhibitions presented during Hall’s tenure were Bernini & the Roman Baroque: Masterpieces from the Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia, the museum's first exhibition of Old Master paintings in nearly 60 years. Other key exhibitions included Exploring Jonathan Street: History, Art, Imagination and Art, Fashion, Symbol, Statement: Tattooing in America, 1960s to Today, In Nature’s Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape Painting, Frida Kahlo – Picturing an Icon, The Scandinavian Home: Art and Identity 1880–1920, and Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau.

Hall also guided the Museum through its first professionally led Master Planning process and oversaw a period of significant institutional development, including greatly expanding the impact of the Museum’s Annual Fund. Her tenure has included a continued focus on exhibitions, education, public programming, historic preservation, collections, and expanding the Museum’s visibility as a cultural resource for Washington County and the surrounding region.





“We thank Sarah Hall for her six years at the Museum’s helm and wish her only the best in all future endeavors,” said Ted Reeder, President of the WCMFA Board of Trustees. “During her tenure as the Museum’s Executive Director, Sarah has fostered wonderful exhibits and helped extend the vision and visibility of our Museum as a great asset for Washington County and beyond. The Board of Trustees will undertake to find a new Executive Director to carry on our successes, while helping the Museum plan for our 100th anniversary, and build for its second century.”

From navigating the challenges of the pandemic to establishing strategies to grow the museum’s impact both locally and regionally, Hall’s tenure has been marked by adaptation and growth. As WCMFA looks ahead to its centennial in 2031, the Museum’s Board, staff, volunteers, and members will continue the work already underway to strengthen the institution and plan for its second century.

Hall will remain in her current capacity through December 18, 2026, helping to ensure a smooth transition before her departure.

“I am deeply grateful for my six years at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated staff, Board, volunteers, members, and community,” said Hall. “There is so much that I will miss about the Museum, especially the people who make this institution such a special part of our community. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the many partnerships and friendships that have grown during my time here. I look forward to watching the Museum continue to grow and serve the community in the years ahead. This is a very bittersweet goodbye. I will be honoring my pledge to the Museum’s capital campaign and encourage all of you to invest in the Museum’s future too!”

Hall’s next position will bring her back to the Pittsburgh arts community, where she previously spent 25 years at The Frick Pittsburgh, including 13 years as Chief Curator and Director of Collections. In that role, she oversaw the care, exhibition, and interpretation of the institution’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Her new role with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will continue her career in exhibition leadership and the arts.

The WCMFA Board of Trustees is preparing to launch a search for the Museum’s next Executive Director, with a Search Committee to be formed in the coming weeks. The next leader will help guide the Museum toward its 100th anniversary in 2031 and into its second century of serving the community.

Throughout the transition, the Museum’s exhibition schedule, educational programs, events, collections care, and daily operations will continue. The Museum’s dedicated staff, Board of Trustees, volunteers, and members remain committed to supporting WCMFA and its programs.

Now in its 95th year, and founded with the vision of providing access to art for all, The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts continues to offer free daytime admission. The Museum remains committed to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting art for the benefit of the community and to serving Washington County and the surrounding region for generations to come.