The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum is bidding farewell to the head of its organization, Sarah Kaufman, who served as the museum’s curator for more than 15 years.
The museum announced her departure in a letter on Dec. 3, stating that her last day with the museum will be Dec. 31.
“Sarah’s work has built tremendous momentum for the museum, and we are profoundly grateful for the impact she has made on our community,” said board chair Susan May Wery in the letter.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sarah for her unwavering commitment, leadership, and devotion to sharing the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake.”
Kaufman has led the museum through a period of growth and development, including its capital expansion work and the successful securing of the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. She also oversaw local heritage projects such as the Landscape of Nations in Queenston and the Voices of Freedom Park in Old Town.
This fall, under her leadership, the museum announced it’ll receive $2 million from the federal government to fund its expansion, which will see the museum nearly double in size to house more exhibitions and archival space, plus improve its accessibility.
The museum’s board credits her leadership with strengthening the institution’s role as a local heritage organization and advancing efforts to preserve and promote the town’s history.
Kaufman has been celebrated by the town and the region for her work with the museum: in 2023, she was both the recipient of the 2023 Niagara Top 40 under 40 Business Achievement Awards and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Spirit Awards winner in the community leadership category.
The announcement did not share the reason for Kaufman’s departure or the next steps in her professional career.
In the meantime, Amy Klassen, director of finance and marketing, will step into the role of interim managing director, while Shawna Jarman, assistant curator, will serve as interim curator. Both have long-standing experience with the museum.
The museum said exhibitions, programming and public services will continue without interruption, supported by staff members Barbara Worthy, Gwen Anderson and Peter Wright, along with the volunteer team.
Niagara Historic Society members will have an opportunity to celebrate Kaufman’s contributions at the museum’s 130th Member’s Birthday Bash on Friday, Dec. 12.
In its announcement, the museum said it remains focused on expanding opportunities for the community to connect with local history and continue its role as a heritage advocate for Niagara-on-the-Lake.
