Florence Griswold Museum Announces Peter Steere as New Director

The Board of Trustees of the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut has announced that Peter Steere of Madison has been appointed as director. Pete had been the Museum’s director of administration before assuming the title of interim director after Joshua Campbell Torrance left the Museum in November to become senior vice president at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, NY.  

Board Chair Barbara Harms shared that, “the trustees felt unequivocally that Pete possesses the skills required to lead the Museum. We are confident we have the person we need already at the Museum in Pete Steere.”  

Pete retired from Yale University where he was the chief operating officer for its Yale Health division. There, among many other things, he established an arts program derived from Yale staff, students and their families, with the goal of creating a beautiful atmosphere for patients and staff. 

He spent years teaching management as well as consulting for health systems nationally about their market opportunities and how to approach them. He is the recipient of several awards for service delivery and program quality and brings extraordinary business development expertise to the Museum. 

Pete said of his new role, “I'm thrilled to assume this role and appreciate the confidence the board has in me. The Florence Griswold Museum is very special and much loved for its exceptional contributions to American art and history. The staff is similarly exceptional. I look forward to continuing the work that has made the Museum so important and unique for all its many years. “ 

Pete lives in Madison with his wife Paula. Their daughter Carlin is pursuing an MFA in creative non-fiction writing. 

The Florence Griswold Museum, located in the heart of historic Old Lyme, Connecticut, has been called a “Giverny in Connecticut” by the Wall Street Journal, and a “must-see” by the Boston Globe. In addition to the restored Florence Griswold House, the Museum features a gallery for changing art exhibitions, education and landscape centers, a restored artist’s studio, twelve acres along the Lieutenant River, the Robert F. Schumann Artists’ Trail, and extensive gardens. Its seasonal Café Flo was recognized as “best outdoor dining” by Connecticut Magazine. The Museum offers a full slate of exhibitions, programs, virtual tours, and online resources. For more information, visit FloGris.org.