THOMASVILLE- Thomasville History Center Executive Director Anne McCudden will soon be sharing her love of art, history, and culture with New Mexico, as she takes on a new venture. 

After nearly a decade of serving at the helm of the History Center and assisting with fun community activities such as the Pilau Dinner and History Hangout, McCudden is excited to now bring some of the flair to New Mexico. 

McCudden will be working with the State of New Mexico’s Department of Cultural Affairs, which oversees museums, historical sites, and archeological sites. In her role, she will directly oversee the state’s eight historical sites, with sites ranging from the Civil War period to Native American sites from the 15th and 16th century. 

“There will be a lot of dealing with the 24 Pueblos and the two Native American tribes in New Mexico,” she said. 

McCudden already has some experience in this realm, previously working with the Seminole tribes in Florida. 

Additionally, McCudden will spend time working with the legislature and elected officials across the state as she works in various districts containing structures of historical significance. 

Working with the various individuals, McCudden will help not only maintain the sites, but design programming and elevate exhibits to attract individuals from across the United States to visit. 

“I’m excited to work with new folks who are very interested in the rich history of New Mexico,” she said. “Like Georgia, it is a big tourist draw, and they have a lot of neat activities they do that will be different from what I’m used to in Georgia and Florida.” 

While McCudden is excited to explore this new chapter in her life, she leaves with a sense of nostalgia. 

Having resided in Chicago and Miami, McCudden said she will always appreciate the warm welcome she was given in Thomasville, and the volunteers and people who have poured countless hours into making the History Center a place where people feel welcome. 

“It’s bittersweet to leave Thomasville, because this is a fantastic community,” she said. “I’ve just been in awe of how active the community is, rather they support something financially or with their time.” 

McCudden said she is sure people out west will continue to be involved, but Thomasville will always impress her. 

“It’s a place apart,” she said. “It’s like no where else.” 

Reflecting on the various events she and the History Center have been a part of, she said her favorite happenings were more recent, with the Fat Tuesday golf cart parade and renaming of Gen. Lloyd J. Austin Way. 

“I’ve been so lucky, as part of this job, to be invited or included to so many of those community-wide events,” she said. “This community just continues to make my jaw drop at how people are so passionate and active.” 

As part of her new role, McCudden will be on the forefront of a new historical site opening at the end of the year in Mesilla, New Mexico. Her hope is that the community there will be just as active and excited as the residents of Thomasville. 

“It will be focused on Mexican American art, so it will be new, but I’m excited to take in the insights of the 50+ people I will be working with,” she said. 

As McCudden watches the collection grow in New Mexico, she leaves behind a wish for the Thomasville History Center to continue expanding as well, hoping it flourishes and becomes a hub for information under its interim director Lisa Clements, a retired school administrator for the Thomas County School System. 

“I have a vision for this place,” McCudden said. “After working here for nine years, I have a vested interest in it, and I do feel like it should expand so it can finally become the hub for the Red Hills region, playing a pivotal role in providing content and resources for people around the world.” 

McCudden believes Clements has a similar vision and wishes her well as she takes on the reins of the operation. 

Clements will reside in her position for a few months, while the History Center seeks a permanent replacement. McCudden said a posting has been made available across the United States, as the Executive Committee reviews applications. 

She highly encourages any individual seeking a mid-level Musuem professional to apply. 

“It’s a great opportunity to learn everything about the Musuem world,” she said. 

As she prepares to depart her staff and finishes training Clements, McCudden concluded with a “thank you” to everyone who has played a role in helping the Thomasville History Center continue its mission over the last decade. 

McCudden’s last day will be April 5, 2025, where she hopes to participate in one final First Friday, celebrating with friends and members of the community.