Connecticut Museum of Culture and History’s Executive Director and CEO Announces Retirement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Robert A. Kret to Step Down as Executive Director & CEO, Remains through Director Transition
(Hartford, CT, October 28, 2025) — The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, formerly known as Connecticut Historical Society, announced today that Executive Director and CEO Robert A. Kret will be retiring, and stepping down from his role effective April 2026. Kret retires after 35 years in the museum field holding various leadership roles at renowned arts and cultural institutions.
“We are deeply appreciative of Rob’s leadership and the contributions he has made to the Museum over the past 7 years,” Michael Cantor, Chairman of the Board of Trustees said. “Under his leadership the Museum has seen tremendous growth. Rob is experienced, passionate leader with a heartfelt interest in promoting the Museum and its significance in the state and on the national level. The Connecticut Museum is even more relevant today because of his efforts.”
Kret joined the Museum in 2019, after leading the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, NM. During his tenure at the Connecticut Museum, Kret oversaw expansion planning efforts, a strategic rebranding effort, secured three Congressionally Directed Spending grants of $1M, was awarded state and the national awards for exhibitions and programming, and increased statewide marketing reach and awareness of the 7th oldest historical society in the country. In addition, the Museum hired new staff and expanded its operational budget to exceed $5M.
“It has been truly an honor to work with Rob over the past few years,” Sylvia Kelly, President of Board of Trustees said. “His depth of knowledge in the field coupled with his bold vision for the organization has affected real and lasting changes.”
On October 27, the Museum’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Ilene Frank, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer as the next Executive Director and CEO of the institution, effect April 2026. Kret will remain in the leadership role until the director transition is complete.
“It has been an extraordinary opportunity to serve the people of Connecticut in bring forward the many cultures and historical stories of this state,” Kret said. “I have worked with team of talented colleagues, whom I now call friends, and feel confident that I am leaving the Museum in a stronger place. As the Museum has reached its momentous 200th year, I am very confident for what is ahead with Ilene Frank leading the Museum into its next century.”
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About the Connecticut Museum:
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 that includes more than 4 million manuscripts, graphics, objects, and artifacts.
OUR MISSION
The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History brings the state’s culture and history into focus, sparking curiosity, deepening understanding, and strengthening connections that bring communities together across generations.
Media Contact
Jamie O’Brien
Chief Advancement Officer
jobrien@connecticutmuseum.org
860-969-6089 x 101