Florence Griswold Museum Names Interim Director Peter Steere to Permanent Post

OLD LYME, CT – The board of trustees of the Florence Griswold Museum has appointed Peter Steere of Madison as the new director.

Steere, who previously served as director of administration, had been serving as interim director since Joshua Campbell Torrance left the museum in November to become senior vice president at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Board Chair Barbara Harms in a news release said trustees agreed “unequivocally” that Steere has the skills for the job. 

“We are confident we have the person we need already at the museum in Pete Steere.”

Before joining the Florence Griswold Museum, Steere worked at Yale University as chief operating officer for the Yale Health division. He was credited with helping establish an arts program aimed at creating a welcoming environment for patients and employees.

Steere spent years teaching management courses and consulting for healthcare organizations nationally about market opportunities. He has received multiple awards for service delivery and program quality. 

Steere expressed appreciation for the board’s confidence in him. 

“The Florence Griswold Museum is very special and much loved for its exceptional contributions to American art and history,” he said. “The staff is similarly exceptional. I look forward to continuing the work that has made the museum so important and unique for all its many years.”

The museum is currently planning a $17.8 million renovation and expansion project.

Sitting on 12 acres along the Lieutenant River, the museum includes the restored Florence Griswold House, changing exhibition galleries, education and landscape centers, a restored artist’s studio, the Robert F. Schumann Artists’ Trail and extensive gardens. 

The museum offers year-round exhibitions, programs and online resources. More information is available at FloGris.org.