Former Shelburne Museum director found joy in mentoring the next generation of museum leaders
Brian A. Alexander, visiting professor of museum administration at the Cooperstown Graduate Program (CGP), whose career was devoted to the management and leadership of cultural institutions, as well as mentoring students in this field, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday night, November 27, 2024, at Albany Medical Center. A beloved husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law and educator, he was 73. Born on March 25, 1951, in Peoria, Ill., Brian was one of four children of Arnold George Alexander and Norma Jean (Hoffman) Alexander. Raised in Bellevue, he earned a BA and MA from the University of Illinois Springfield. He later earned a certificate in museum management from the University of Colorado. Brian worked in the museum field for 48 years, including 13 years at Shelburne Museum, where he served as assistant director, director and executive vice president. He was a much-appreciated staff advocate and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to stabilize and maintain the museum’s financial base. Brian began his career as a Lincoln Scholar in Illinois. Among other positions, he served as president and CEO of the National World War I Museum, president and CEO of the Historic Annapolis Foundation, museum director for the North Dakota Heritage Center, and senior curator for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. He served on numerous AAM Accreditation Visiting Committees, as faculty for the Seminar for Historical Administration and as a consultant for the AAM Museum Assessment Program. He was also a trustee of the American Association for State and Local History and a grants reviewer/panelist for IMLS, NEH and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. It gave Brian great joy to mentor the next generation of museum leaders at CGP, one of the preeminent programs in the country, sharing his varied professional experiences with students. His adventures included couriering fine art to major museums in Europe, working with Sotheby’s, testifying before Congress and advocating for the museums he served. Brian is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Audrey Porsche, of Cooperstown, N.Y.; children, Sarah Alexander, Mark Alexander, Jason Alexander, Peter Alexander and wife Anna Landskroener, and Christian Alexander; mother, Norma Alexander; sister-in-law, Janet Porsche; brother-in-law, John Hyde; and siblings, Debbie Bateson, George Alexander, and Brenda Strong and husband Wayne. He was predeceased by his father, Arnold Alexander. A celebration of Brian’s life will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Cooperstown Graduate Program, 5838 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY. In lieu…
Former Shelburne Museum director found joy in mentoring the next generation of museum leaders
Brian A. Alexander, visiting professor of museum administration at the Cooperstown Graduate Program (CGP), whose career was devoted to the management and leadership of cultural institutions, as well as mentoring students in this field, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday night, November 27, 2024, at Albany Medical Center. A beloved husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law and educator, he was 73. Born on March 25, 1951, in Peoria, Ill., Brian was one of four children of Arnold George Alexander and Norma Jean (Hoffman) Alexander. Raised in Bellevue, he earned a BA and MA from the University of Illinois Springfield. He later earned a certificate in museum management from the University of Colorado. Brian worked in the museum field for 48 years, including 13 years at Shelburne Museum, where he served as assistant director, director and executive vice president. He was a much-appreciated staff advocate and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to stabilize and maintain the museum’s financial base. Brian began his career as a Lincoln Scholar in Illinois. Among other positions, he served as president and CEO of the National World War I Museum, president and CEO of the Historic Annapolis Foundation, museum director for the North Dakota Heritage Center, and senior curator for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. He served on numerous AAM Accreditation Visiting Committees, as faculty for the Seminar for Historical Administration and as a consultant for the AAM Museum Assessment Program. He was also a trustee of the American Association for State and Local History and a grants reviewer/panelist for IMLS, NEH and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. It gave Brian great joy to mentor the next generation of museum leaders at CGP, one of the preeminent programs in the country, sharing his varied professional experiences with students. His adventures included couriering fine art to major museums in Europe, working with Sotheby’s, testifying before Congress and advocating for the museums he served. Brian is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Audrey Porsche, of Cooperstown, N.Y.; children, Sarah Alexander, Mark Alexander, Jason Alexander, Peter Alexander and wife Anna Landskroener, and Christian Alexander; mother, Norma Alexander; sister-in-law, Janet Porsche; brother-in-law, John Hyde; and siblings, Debbie Bateson, George Alexander, and Brenda Strong and husband Wayne. He was predeceased by his father, Arnold Alexander. A celebration of Brian’s life will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Cooperstown Graduate Program, 5838 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY. In lieu…