FERRISBURGH — Rokeby Museum has announced the retirement of director Catherine Wood Brooks, who accepted a three-year term in 2017. “It has been an incredible honor to serve as director,” Brooks says. “Rokeby’s historical resources are vast. I have thoroughly enjoyed working to share Rokeby’s stories with an ever- widening audience.”
Under Brooks’ leadership, the museum has experienced growth in attendance, income and giving. “Catherine’s creative and energetic touch has resulted in new programs, new collaborations and a heightened awareness of Rokeby as a dynamic, relevant organization it is today. We are deeply grateful to her for all that she has done,” says board chair Marty Dewees.
Along with its focus on agriculturists, artists and abolitionists, the museum has enlarged its vision

to include advocacy and connecting its history to contemporary social issues. Guided by second generation Rachel and Rowland Robinson’s commitment to speaking truth to power, Rokeby is establishing itself as a center for the exploration and discussion of contemporary issues of social justice.
Rokeby’s growing commitment to social justice has triggered two important, anonymous, landmark gifts this past fall. One, a $75,000 grant over three years is to be used to support the museum’s stability through the hiring of a full time executive director, and the other $10,000 donation for increased focus on education. In the words of one of the donors, “We particularly have been very excited to see Rokeby moving ahead with such energy for creative programming and deepening its commitment to social justice issues.”

With Brooks’ pending retirement, Rokeby is seeking “an energetic, talented, museum professional with vision and commitment to enhancing the institution’s mission and stability into the future.” More information is available here.