The Jack Hadley Black History Museum (JHBHM) recently received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, IMLS, to hire its first executive director. Also under the grant, a succession plan was developed to transition James “Jack” Hadley to Museum Director Emeritus. After an exhaustive search process, the board of the JHBHM offered Mr. Daniel Pittman the position of executive director.

Pittman served as the museum educator for the JHBHM for two years. During his tenure as the educator, he developed and expanded dynamic virtual and traditional programs, such as the Virtual Talk Series, among others. Also, he frequently shared the museum’s mission with the public through successful marketing programs, provided tours to groups of 40 to 500, and created online fundraising campaigns. Pittman has a passion for history and a talent for relaying information to audiences of different backgrounds.

After nearly 40 years, Hadley has transitioned to director emeritus. The collection began as a school project because his son Jim complained of the lack of Black History Month celebrations at his school. The museum has evolved into a statewide, regional, and nationally recognized institution.

According to Hadley, “I am leaving my position and transitioning to museum director emeritus as of July 1, 2022. In my new role, I will continue to help our new executive director Daniel Pittman, make presentations to the public, conduct research, and provide counsel to museum staff. So, I am honored that our current museum educator, Daniel Pittman, has been appointed as the new executive director, he is the first to fill this position since the museum opened in 2006 at the Douglass High School campus.”

Pittman’s plans for the museum’s future are to honor the legacy created by Hadley and to expand and continue the mission “to document, preserve, and educate on African American History in southwest Georgia” and beyond. “When I first stepped into the museum almost three years ago, I immediately knew there was something special about this place, and the first time I met Mr. Hadley, I knew that it was because of the love and care that he had for his collection. I am beyond honored and blessed to get to follow Mr. Hadley’s steps, and to learn and grow our organization as we move towards the future.”

Honoring the legacy that Hadley created is one of Pittman’s main goals as the new executive director.

“While no one can fill the shoes of Mr. Hadley, I will show the same passion and love for the museum that has made it become one of the most beloved organizations not just in our community but around the region. I cannot thank Mr. Hadley, and the JHBHM board enough for this opportunity to lead and guide the organization that has completely changed my life.”

On Sunday, Pittman will conduct the Museum’s 27th annual meeting in the Perra Bell Library, located on the Frederick Douglass High School campus at 4 p.m.

The guest speaker is Rob Bull of the Compass Group. The meeting will be both virtual and in person. Social distancing will be observed and masks are required. The public is invited and refreshments are served.

For more information about the Jack Hadley Black History Museum, go to: https://jackhadleyblackhistorymuseum.com