The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture announced a leadership transition that will shape the institution’s future. Travis E. Mitchell, currently senior vice president and chief content officer at Maryland Public Television (MPT), has been selected to become the museum’s next president, with the change set for November 2026.
National search yields seasoned storyteller
The museum’s board of directors convened a national search committee that evaluated a large pool of candidates from across the United States. Mitchell emerged as the top choice because of his extensive background in public media, nonprofit leadership, education, and cultural storytelling.
Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Mitchell earned his degree from Morgan State University and has spent more than three decades in media and nonprofit work. Since joining MPT in 2020, he has overseen growth in viewership and digital impressions, guided the network to 195 Emmy nominations, and secured 79 Emmy wins from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Storytelling expertise to expand museum reach
Mitchell’s experience with multiplatform storytelling is expected to broaden the Lewis Museum’s impact throughout Maryland and beyond. He has produced nationally distributed PBS documentaries such as “Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom,” “Becoming Frederick Douglass,” and “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect,” each earning Emmy recognition.
He also founded “HBCU Week NOW,” an MPT‑led initiative that highlights the history and relevance of historically Black colleges and universities. Mitchell’s personal accolades include six regional Emmy awards and nine Telly Awards.
Board confidence in new direction
Kim Mumby Green, chair of the museum’s board of directors, praised Mitchell’s blend of executive leadership, cultural stewardship, and deep Maryland ties. “He brings a powerful combination of executive leadership, cultural stewardship, storytelling expertise, and a deep understanding of Maryland,” Green said. “Terri Lee Freeman built an extraordinary foundation, and we are confident Travis will build on that while expanding the museum’s reach and impact.”
Freeman, who announced her retirement after six years at the helm, guided the museum through pandemic recovery, celebrated its 20th anniversary, opened its first satellite gallery, and enhanced its digital presence. She expressed pride in the institution’s growth and optimism for its future under Mitchell’s leadership.
Looking ahead
Mitchell emphasized his commitment to the museum’s mission, stating, “The Lewis has always been more than a building. 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.” He added that he looks 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 appointment signals continuity and growth for the Lewis Museum, reinforcing its role as the nation’s largest institution dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing African American history and culture.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
