Plimoth Patuxet Museums Announces Retirement of Executive Director and Appointment of New Executive Director

PLYMOUTH, MASS. (February 6, 2025) – Plimoth Patuxet Museums announced today that after a distinguished 33-year career, Executive Director, Ellie Donovan, is retiring from the Museum this year. Donovan has held several positions at the Museum, serving as Executive Director for the last 16 years.

Under Donovan’s leadership, the Museum exceeded goals for the largest capital campaign in the organization’s 77 year history; renovated several buildings and boats, and reimagined its award-winning living history programs recognized as a model for the interpretation of history. Leading the Museum through the 2020 pandemic, Donovan ensured Mayflower II’s return to Plymouth harbor in August 2020, following the completion of a $12 million restoration of the historic ship. She oversaw the successful application for Mayflower II being named to the National Register of Historic Places. The restoration project won the prestigious Paul & Niki Tsongas Award from Preservation Massachusetts and their Peoples’ Choice Award in 2021.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside a team of brilliant public historians and museum professionals in all departments who inspire me every day,” said Donovan. “We have accomplished so much together in the past 16 years. I’m sincerely grateful to our board, donors, volunteers, my amazing coworkers, and to the public whom the Museum exists to serve. Retiring is a difficult decision, but new adventures beckon, and spending time with family and friends is now my priority.”

In 2024, a new behind-the-scenes building was opened to support the Indigenous programs and exhibits of the Historic Patuxet Homesite. Recently, Plimoth Patuxet swept up national and regional awards for The Best Open Air Museum in the country (USA Today), Best Historical Site (Boston Magazine), and Best Museum (South Shore Home Life & Style).

When the grist mill on Plymouth’s Town Brook became available, Donovan leapt at the chance for the Museum to operate it. The Plimoth Grist Mill – a reproduction of the one built in 1636 – provides a fascinating look at its history, from the centuries-old stones grinding organic corn to the ecology of the brook. “We put our nose to the grindstone to ensure this would be a working mill aligned with our educational mission and part of a growing movement to localize grain production.”

“Ellie has been a visionary and exemplary leader, fostering positive change for the Museum,” said Stephen Brodeur, Chair of the board of trustees. “As a long-tenured Executive Director, she is widely respected for her significant contributions and impact across the Museum. We are grateful to Ellie for stewarding and safeguarding this great American history museum. Ellie has achieved growth in philanthropy and public programs – leading the way for nationally important projects. She enhanced the internal culture while also revolutionizing Plimoth Patuxet’s philosophy of service and public engagement; it is indeed a wonderful legacy she leaves behind.”

The trustees of the museum are pleased to announce that Deputy Director of Research and Public Engagement, Tom Begley, will assume the role of Executive Director following Donovan’s departure.

Begley, a long-time Plymouth resident, has been a member of the senior management team overseeing Plimoth Patuxet’s living history sites, exhibits and collections; prior to that he served the museum in two major roles – Institutional Giving Manager, and the Executive Office & Special Projects Manager. Begley has been integral to landmark projects and new initiatives over the past 10 years while the Museum worked to refine and redefine public history for its ever-changing audience. Begley said “There are exciting new initiatives, events and exhibits on the horizon and I look forward to working closely with our exceptional staff and dedicated Board in the stewardship of this world-renowned living history museum.”

“We’re delighted that Tom has accepted the Executive Director position, and look forward to his vision and ideas becoming realities in the years ahead,” said Brodeur. “The trustees are confident that with Tom’s skills and experience, along with a strong board, steadfast donors, and our excellent staff and volunteers, he will continue the outstanding educational mission of Plimoth Patuxet.”

Plimoth Patuxet Museums will open for the 2025 season on Saturday, March 15. Open daily 9:00-5:00 through the Sunday after Thanksgiving Day. To learn more about program offerings and events, please visit www.plimoth.org.