The Museum of Cambridge is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Director, Annie Davis. This new role is set to deliver an ambitious strategy to preserve the history of Cambridgeshire, diversify the Museum’s income-generating activity to achieve greater financial sustainability, and expand the Museum’s already considerable outreach and engagement work.
Annie is starting her role as Director at an exciting time. The independent Museum in the heart of Cambridge has big ambitions for 2023, and beyond with plans to reopen new spaces to visitors, continue to work with community groups work with partners in the region to host new temporary exhibitions, as well as relaunching a programme for schools to engage with Cambridgeshire pupils and teachers.
Annie commenced her new role as Director in April, having worked and volunteered at the Museum of Cambridge in various management roles since 2018. Annie brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record leading various aspects of the Museum’s work over the past 5 years. Annie is also a trustee for Emmaus Cambridge and is chair of the region’s Fundraising Network for museums.
Annie trained as a teacher and taught History in secondary schools before moving into the heritage sector as an Education Officer at The National Archives. Annie grew up in Cambridge, attending Chesterton Community College and Hills Road Sixth Form College before attending the University of Bristol to study History. She completed her MA in Modern History at King’s College London in 2017.
Roger Lilley, Chair of Trustees said:
“The Board of Trustees is delighted that Annie has been appointed to this role. Annie has shown impressive leadership in her guidance of the Museum through recent obstacles, not least the Covid-19 pandemic. In the midst of these challenges, the Museum has gone from strength to strength, delivering a new business plan which we hope will place us on a safer financial footing and secure our future as the custodians of Cambridgeshire’s heritage.
Building on our achievements to date, under Annie’s leadership, we hope to sharpen our strategic direction, strengthen our partnerships with donors and funders throughout the region, and build new relationships with groups and organisations across Cambridgeshire.”
Annie Davis, Director, said
“I feel very privileged to be taking up the role of Director at the Museum of Cambridge. It’s a real honour to be in the position to care for, celebrate and share Cambridgeshire’s history. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously.
Over the last 83 years, the Museum of Cambridge has shown time and time again how vital it is for all the people of Cambridgeshire to feel represented by their local heritage. I’m looking forward to unveiling some exciting plans coming up over the next few weeks, months, and years, in particular working with new partners in the region.
It’s no secret that times are very tough for museums and small charities. The cost-of-living crisis combined with continued cuts to funding means that the Museum of Cambridge faces a challenging few years. However, we’ve shown we’re made of stern stuff, not least due to the loyalty and generosity of our visitors, Friends, donors and volunteers who’ve seen us through challenging times.
I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all those that volunteer with the Museum, without whom none of this would be possible. I’d also like to thank those generous donors whose kindness to date has helped to secure the Museum’s future.”