Not many can claim to have led at a single institution for half a century, but Wallace can. Having joined the Museum of Worcester as executive director in 1976, Wallace has guided the organization through 1/3rd of its existence, and his impact can be seen in almost every corner.
In January, he oversaw the rebrand of the museum, formerly known as the Worcester Historical Museum, in a move to better communicate its mission to be a nucleus for sharing and curating all things Worcester. Along with the name change, the museum unveiled the $1.3-million installation of its Fuller Gallery of Industrial History gallery.
Having seen 23,000 visitors in 2023, the Museum of Worcester is the 24th largest tourist attraction in Central Massachusetts, with Wallace continuously working to bring in new exhibits and beautify the building’s structure.
Last year, the museum raised $13.5 million in a capital campaign and invested nearly $3 million in structural projects including enhancing parking, redesigning a lobby, and replacement of its Salisbury Mansion roof.
In April, Wallace announced his plans to retire at the end of 2025, saying he hopes his successor will be just as excited about the stories the people of Worcester have to tell as he has been for the past five decades.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
