Melanie A. Adams has been named the director of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum (ACM). Before her appointment, Adams served as deputy director, learning initiatives, at the Minnesota Historical Society. With more than 25 years of community engagement experience in museums and higher education, she is dedicated to bringing stakeholders together to address relevant community issues. Since 2016, Adams has led efforts at the Minnesota Historical Society to develop strategic partnerships, audiences and resources within local communities. As deputy director, she managed 26 historic sites and museums throughout Minnesota. During her tenure, she created the community outreach department to provide partnerships and programs outside the museum walls. Before her time at the Minnesota Historical Society, Adams was a managing director of the Missouri Historical Society for 11 years. She oversaw more than 700 St. Louis community programs annually, including events with more than 100 community partners. anacostia.si.edu.
