NANTUCKET, MA.: The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) is pleased to announce it has hired Melissa Kershaw for the new position of Outreach and Public Programs Coordinator.
Kershaw, who has an M.A. degree and graduate certificate in museum studies from Harvard University and a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts, has over fifteen years of experience in museum education and the development of interactive programming. She worked for many years at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, where she developed numerous educational programs for students aimed at promoting critical thinking and art appreciation.
Most recently, Kershaw created highly participatory experiences focusing on the themes of art, culture, history, and nature for children, teachers, and other adults.
“We had a vast number of very qualified applicants for this new NHA position, and we are pleased to have found such a strong fit with Melissa,” said Marjan Shirzad, NHA Director of Outreach and Special Programs. “Her background is so reflective of what we hope to accomplish within this new department, I look forward to watching her expand our public programs and our organization’s outreach efforts.”
Kershaw was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and moved to the island from Gloucester, Massachusetts. “I am delighted to join the dynamic team at the NHA,” said Kershaw. “I look forward to building exciting, informative, energetic programs for residents and visitors of Nantucket, and savor the opportunity to learn more about this beautiful island.”
