PROVINCETOWN, Mass., March 20, 2024 – The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum (PMPM) today announced the appointment of Courtney Hurst as interim executive director, effective May 1, 2024. Hurst is taking over the position from K. David Weidner, Ph.D., who is retiring.
As Cape Cod’s oldest non-profit, PMPM stands tall for tolerance, acceptance and inclusion, as well as preserves the region’s rich and storied place in American history. Through its exhibits and programs, the organization prides itself in telling the most truthful version of history, including the Mayflower’s first landing in the New World and its impact on the Indigenous Wampanoag. PMPM shares the stories of all the people and communities that helped transform Provincetown into a thriving fishing port, the birthplace of American theater and a destination of welcome and inclusivity.
Hurst will serve as interim executive director while a formal, nationwide search for the position is conducted, per PMPM’s bylaws. She will oversee PMPM’s operations and the management and maintenance of its collections, archives and physical campus, as well as be responsible for growing the organization, advancing its mission and implementing the Strategic Plan established by the Board of Trustees.
“On behalf of the Board, I am excited to announce that Courtney will step into the role of PMPM’s interim executive director,” said Steven Ridini, Ed.D., president of the Board of Trustees. “As Provincetown’s native daughter, her passion and pride for the Monument has been evident for many years. Selecting her to lead the organization and fulfill its mission benefits us and the broader community.”
Born and raised in Provincetown, Hurst has a lifelong knowledge of and passion for the Outer Cape region. She is well familiar with PMPM, its mission, history and operations, having served on the organization’s Board of Trustees for 12 years. She became Board president in 2017, at the same time that Dr. Weidner became executive director, and together they oversaw the growth and diversification of the organization. Hurst spent five years as president, finally stepping down from the board in 2023 to spearhead successful fundraising and sponsorship efforts for PMPM. She has owned, operated and managed several successful businesses in Boston and Provincetown and is a published author.
“I feel as energized and passionate about PMPM today as I did when I joined the Board more than a decade ago. We accomplished a great deal with David’s guidance, but there is still so much to do and achieve,” said Hurst. “I look forward to taking PMPM to the next level by opening it up for Cape Cod locals while ensuring the Monument continues to stand tall to welcome pilgrims of every kind to our beloved town.”
For more information about the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum, please visit www.pilgrim-monument.org.
