Prominent CT History Museum Announces New Leader

HARTFORD, CT — One of the state's largest history museums and attractions announced this week it has a new leader.

The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History has appointed Ilene J. Frank as its new executive director and CEO, effective Monday, May 4, the organization announced.

Frank succeeds Robert A. Kret, who retired after seven years leading the Hartford-based institution.

Frank, a 10-year veteran of the museum, most recently served as deputy executive director and chief strategy officer.

She previously held the role of chief curator from 2015 to 2022.

During her tenure, the museum received 14 state and national awards and completed a major rebranding effort in 2023.

Board Chairman Michael Cantor said the trustees supported the internal promotion.

“The board of trustees is pleased that Ilene will be taking the museum into its next chapter,” Cantor said. “She is knowledgeable about the museum’s collection, Connecticut’s history, and the many communities it serves—which will make her a strong leader of the organization.”

As CEO, Frank will oversee a staff of more than 55 employees and operations that serve over 64,000 annual visitors.

Her responsibilities include advancing the museum’s strategic plan, guiding expansion efforts, and managing a budget exceeding $5 million while diversifying revenue streams.

Frank said she plans to continue the museum’s community-focused mission.

“I am thrilled to bring my experience and my passion for this organization to the role of executive director and CEO,” she said. “The Connecticut Museum is an important public institution and a space that brings communities together, and I hope to continue this legacy of sharing Connecticut’s whole history and culture.”

Board President Sylvia Kelly said the organization expects continuity and growth under Frank’s leadership.

“The museum has grown immensely over the past 10 years,” Kelly said. “Ilene Frank brings invaluable experience from the Museum field and a true passion for this organization to her work.”

Before joining the museum, Frank served as executive director of the Rensselaer County Historical Society in New York and associate director of the Schenectady Museum and Planetarium.

Founded in 1825, the museum is a private nonprofit in Hartford’s West End with a collection of more than 4 million objects, documents, and artifacts.

For more information on the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, click on this link.