AMESBURY — The Amesbury Carriage Museum is in search of a new leader following the exit of its executive director this fall.
Kelly Daniell began serving as executive director in 2022 and worked her last official day in late September.
Board members for the museum praised Daniell, calling her contributions impactful.
“She has been just a diamond leading the Carriage Museum and she’ll be sorely missed,” said board member Peter Hoyt.
Tom Pendergast, vice president of the board of directors, commended Daniell for the work she did for the museum.
“Kelly Daniell did a wonderful job,” he said.
Daniell will pursue research and writing on John Proctor, an important figure in the Salem Witch Trials, according to board members.
Now, the museum is searching for a replacement to fill Daniell’s shoes, something Hoyt said will be no easy feat.
“Of course, it’s going to be difficult to replace Kelly. I think I speak for the entire board, we almost wish we could clone Kelly Daniell in our next director. She has been enthusiastic, tenacious in her work and support of the museum and all things historic,” he said.
Pendergast said they are looking for a leader who will elevate the nonprofit even further.
“The person that we will be looking for will take us to the next level. Obviously, finances for any nonprofit are critical and we will be looking for someone who is going to be able to engage with the public. And, I think one of our goals is to take the Carriage Museum from a local attraction to a more regional one,” he said.
Pendergast said the board hopes to build on the momentum created by Daniell and increase the museum’s visibility.
“Kelly has done a nice job as far as getting us involved with Trails and Sails and with the North of Boston visitors bureau,” he said. “And, we just want to increase that and make ourselves more visible because we’re a small museum. We’re looking for members, we’re always looking for sponsors and we’re looking for visitors. And, it’s our intent to make the museum not only reflect on the history that we have available in Amesbury, but to bring it to life and keep the exhibits fresh and educational and entertaining.”
The search is already underway, with a successor soon to be named, according to Pendergast.
“We have had a couple of interviews already and we have another interview with a candidate coming up in another week or so. And, I am definitely hoping that we can have a decision made by the end of this month,” he said.