Brent Glass

Brent D. Glass was named director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in October 2002. He joined the Smithsonian Dec. 30, 2002.

Life

Glass received a bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College (1969), a master’s degree from New York University (1971) and a doctorate in history from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (1980). He has written books and articles on industrial history and various topics related to the history of Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Prior to joining the Smithsonian, Glass was executive director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in Harrisburg, PA, a position he held for 15 years (1987–2002). During his time at the Commission, Glass managed the largest and most comprehensive state history program in the country and oversaw 25 historical sites and museums, including the State Archives and State Museum; the State Historic Preservation Office; public history programs; and historical publications. He was executive director of the North Carolina Humanities Council from 1983 to1987.

Under Glass’ leadership, the National Museum of American History has opened two popular permanent exhibitions, “America on the Move” in November 2003 and “The Price of Freedom: Americans at War” in November 2004, as well as a temporary display, “Treasures of American History,” while the museum is closed for renovations.

Glass, 60, is an active member of the academic and cultural communities, serving on many boards that work to generate enthusiasm for history among the general public. He is currently a member of the Flight 93 Memorial Advisory Commission. Glass is a trustee of Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania and has served as a member of the national council of the American Association for State and Local History and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. He is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

External links

• Smithsonian National Museum of American History
• American Dreamer; The Smithsonian History Museum's New Director Charts Our Brilliant Past (History News Network Article)
• "Brent D. Glass Director, National Museum of American History", Smithsonian Institution
• "Portrait Accepted - Brent Glass", Colbert Nation, October 16, 2008