The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History Culture appointed Travis E. Mitchell as its next president, succeeding Terri Lee Freeman. The transition will take place in November 2026. Terri Lee Freeman, current president of The Lewis Museum. Freeman announced her ret irement earlier this year after leading the museum for six years. The Lewis Museum is the largest museum dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing African American history and culture. Mitchell was chosen after a national search by a committee established by the museum’s board of directors. The pool of candidates was large and came from around the United States. Museums tell stories, and Mitchell’s experience with storytelling and education seemed the perfect fit for The Lewis to continue its legacy of education, dialogue, and connection. His ease with digital and multiplatform storytelling is expected to expand the museum’s reach throughout Maryland and beyond. “The Lewis has always been more than a building,” Mitchell said. “It is a place where history and culture are preserved and promoted, stories are shared, communities come together and future generations can see themselves reflected in the American story. I am excited about what we will build together while remaining firmly grounded in the mission and legacy that have made this institution so important.” A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Mitchell graduated from Morgan State University. He has more than three decades’ experience in public media, nonprofit leadership, education, business development, and cultural storytelling. Currently, he is senior vice president and chief content officer at Maryland Public Television (MPT), where he oversees their broadcast and digital platforms. His success at MPT backs up his selection as new president for The Lewis. Since he joined MPT in 2020, the network’s viewership and impressions have grown every year. Under Mitchell’s leadership, MPT has been nominated for 195 Emmy Awards and has earned 79 Emmys from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts Sciences. “Travis distinguished himself throughout a thoughtful and competitive national search,” said Kim Mumby Green, chair of the board of directors of The Lewis Museum. “He brings a powerful combination of executive leadership, cultural stewardship, storytelling expertise, and a deep understanding of Maryland. His career reflects a commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of Black communities and an understanding of the responsibility that comes with leading an institution like The Lewis. Terri Lee Freeman has built an extraordinary foundation during her tenure, and the Board is confident that Travis will build on that foundation while bringing his own leadership and perspective to expand the Museum’s reach and impact.” “Becoming Thurgood” earned an Emmy nomination. Mitchell helped lead the creations of programs that were distributed nationally that explored African American history and culture, like MPT’s PBS films, “Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom”, “Becoming Frederick Douglass”, and “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect”, which earned a national Emmy nomination. He also founded “HBCU Week NOW”, an MPT-led multiplatform, public media initiative to share the history, legacy, and relevance of historically Black colleges and universities. Mitchell is an executive producer, and a six-time regional Emmy recipient and nine-time Telly Award winner. His experience includes leadership stints at UNC-TV (now PBS North Carolina), the Black Family Channel, and Communities in Schools of Wake County. “I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to lead the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and to build upon the tremendous work of Terri Lee Freeman, the Museum’s staff and its Board of Directors,” Mitchell said. “The Lewis has an extraordinary responsibility to preserve and promote Black history and culture, while helping people understand how these stories continue to shape Maryland and our nation today. I look forward to listening, learning and working alongside the Museum’s staff, supporters, partners and communities to expand the ways we educate, engage, and tell these essential stories.” The museum saw significant growth under Freeman’s leadership, despite the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. She guided The Lewis through pandemic recovery and even expanded its community presence and partnerships, investing in new ways to reach people across Maryland. Under her leadership, the museum celebrated its 20th anniversary, held the “TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis” exhibition, opened its first satellite gallery, and expanded the Lewis brand and digital presence. “From the beginning, I have believed deeply in the power and importance of this institution and the people who make its work possible,” said Terri Lee Freeman. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and of the strong foundation that exists for The Lewis Museum’s future. Travis E. Mitchell brings tremendous media experience in storytelling, education, leadership and community engagement, and I look forward to supporting a smooth transition, and watching The Lewis continue to grow in the years ahead.” ...read more read less