Mystic, Conn. (February 3, 2026) – Mystic Seaport Museum announced that Christopher Freeman has been appointed the Museum’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Freeman has served as Interim President and CEO for the past seven months, providing steady leadership during a period of significant complexity for the Museum. His appointment follows careful consideration by the Board of Trustees and reflects their confidence in his leadership, experience, and deep understanding of the institution.
“Chris has demonstrated consistent and thoughtful leadership while laying important groundwork for the future,” said Richard Clary, Board Chair at Mystic Seaport Museum. “He brings continuity, institutional knowledge, and a clear commitment to our mission. The Board is confident in his ability to strengthen the Museum’s foundation, advance the strategic priorities which will guide the Museum through its upcoming Centennial, and prepare us to embark on our next 100 years.”
A 28-year veteran of the Mystic Seaport Museum staff, Freeman most recently served as Vice President of Advancement prior to the interim role. His tenure spans nearly three decades of leadership and service to the Museum, its mission to inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience, and the entire Mystic community.
“I am honored by the confidence the Board of Trustees has placed in me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this extraordinary institution,” Freeman said. “We have an exceptional staff, a powerful mission, and an essential role to play locally and nationally. The Museum is worthy of national support at the highest level. I look forward to continuing our work together, supporting our people and our community, strengthening the Museum’s foundation, and advancing our strategic priorities.”
During Freeman’s tenure as Interim President and CEO, the Museum continued seasonal programming and advanced key strategic initiatives, while working to strengthen its operational and financial footing.
Freeman’s appointment underscores the emphasis the Board of Trustees has placed on stability, continuity, and disciplined leadership as the organization moves forward toward its Centennial Anniversary in 2030.
About Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime Museum. Founded in 1929 to gather and preserve the rapidly disappearing artifacts of America’s seafaring past, the Museum has grown to become a national center for research and education with the mission to “inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience.” The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut, and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 650 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship CHARLES W. MORGAN. For more information, please visit mysticseaport.org and follow the Museum on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
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