John Bourdeaux and Christopher Droney to serve a three-year term on the Board for the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Hartford, CT (October 6, 2026) — Connecticut Museum of Culture and History is pleased to welcome two new members to the Board of Trustees: John Bourdeaux, President and CEO of AdvanceCT, and Christopher F. Droney, former judge on the United States Court of Appeals and former United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut. They bring their respective backgrounds in civic law, public service, and nonprofit economic development to the Museum’s mission-driven Board. The Connecticut Museum Members voted John Bourdeaux and Christopher Droney onto the Board of Trustees for a three-year term during its Annual Meeting on September 24th.  

John Bourdeaux

John Bourdeaux is President and CEO of AdvanceCT, Connecticut’s nonprofit economic development organization. Mr. Bourdeaux previously served as AdvanceCT’s Chief of Staff and as Head of Business Development. Prior to joining AdvanceCT, John served in senior development and administrative roles at organizations such as the Connecticut Science Center, Hartford Stage, the Melville Charitable Trust, and Yale University, securing tens of millions of dollars in philanthropic investment. 

“Understanding where we come from—the innovations, the communities, the challenges we’ve overcome—helps people understand and fall in love with Connecticut,” said Bourdeaux. “The Museum tells that story in ways that matter, and I want to be a part of that work.” 

Christopher Droney

Judge Christopher Droney served eight years on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and for fourteen years as a United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut. His prior public service includes serving as the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, appointed by President Clinton. Judge Droney also has substantial experience in local government and private legal practice. He served two terms as Mayor of West Hartford and practiced law in Hartford.  

 “I’m looking forward to helping the Museum advance its mission of gathering the history of the State of Connecticut and educating so many about its importance and lessons,” said Droney.  

“We are thrilled to welcome new Board members who are both deeply invested in the state of Connecticut and passionate about our work to preserve Connecticut stories across cultures and generations,” said Ilene Frank, Executive Director and CEO of the Connecticut Museum. “I look forward to the fresh perspectives and invaluable expertise they’ll bring to our Board.” 

### 

The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History is a private, nonprofit organization established in 1825 as the state’s premier historical society and cultural institution. Located in the historic West End of Hartford, the Museum houses exhibitions, a library, a research center, and a vast collection of over 4 million manuscripts, graphics, objects, and artifacts. The Museum brings the state’s culture and history into focus, sparking curiosity, deepening understanding, and strengthening connections that bring communities together across generations.