Plimoth Patuxet Museums Announces New Director of Algonquian Exhibits and Interpretation

Lopes will lead the further development of the Museum’s well-established Indigenous programs, exhibits and interpretation of the region’s Indigenous homeland, history and culture. A member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, Lopes brings to the Museum a successful track record of teaching experience and museum program development, and in leading multi-disciplinary approaches to Indigenous studies, history, historiography, geography, and civics.

“Brad’s vision for how history can connect and inspire people and his advocacy for cross-cultural understanding makes him the right person for this leadership position at Plimoth Patuxet,” said Ellie Donovan, Executive Director of Plimoth Patuxet. “His commitment to public history and community outreach is clear from his work with the Aquinnah Cultural Center and his teaching career. Brad is a culture-keeper and an exceptional scholar with deep roots in Indigenous heritage and lifeways.”

Prior to joining Plimoth Patuxet, Lopes was most recently on the faculty of Wiscasset Middle High School, in Wiscasset, Maine. An advocate for teaching Indigenous history and for diversity in Social Studies education, his work included co-designing and implementing several learning intensive experiences, including one on the Indigenous People of the Northeast. He has also served as a consultant on grants at Plimoth Patuxet Museums. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education: Social Studies, from University of Maine.

Working collaboratively to create and implement content, program and/or curriculum design for public outreach and education, Lopes’ experience reflects a commitment to engaging a wide and diverse audience of learners of all ages. As the Program Coordinator at the Aquinnah Cultural Center, he developed relevant curriculum for cultural presenters and was directly involved in designing curriculum aligned with the Massachusetts state frameworks that can be implemented both inside and outside the classroom.

In an effort to have Indigenous peoples represented accurately and appropriately in educational settings, Lopes created an Indigenous Studies course as well as a ‘Teaching Indigenous Studies and Students’ professional development program for teachers.

“I am excited to join Plimoth Patuxet Museums where thought-stirring conversations, listening, and community are so central to its mission and programs,” said Lopes. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to build upon the Museum’s commitment to Indigenous scholarship and public engagement, and to serve its varied audiences in informative, meaningful and innovative ways. Through this work, I hope to honor past Wampanoag, and Indigenous scholars from across Turtle Island who have contributed so much to both the Museum and the region we have called home for over 10,000 years.”