Lutz Children’s Museum In Manchester Hires New Executive Director

MANCHESTER, CT — A university professor and Vernon school board member will serve as the new executive director for the Lutz Children’s Museum. Dr. Patricia Buxton will assume the role Tuesday, July 20.

She'll manage not only the day-to-day operations for Connecticut’s oldest children’s museum but also the 52-acre Oak Grove Nature Center. Buxton will also lead fundraising programs, as well as marketing and community engagement initiatives, according to the Lutz Children’s Museum Board of Directors.

“As a lifelong educator I know firsthand how vibrant places such as the Lutz Children’s Museum and Oak Grove Nature Center are needed to help children learn through play and exploration. I am thrilled to lead this gem of an organization and help steward its mission for the benefit of our entire community,” Buxton said.

Buxton holds an EdD in educational leadership from the University of Hartford and a sixth-year diploma in professional education at the University of Connecticut. She is currently an assistant professor of education at the University of Bridgeport and a member of Vernon Public School’s Board of Education.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Buxton as the new Executive Director as we reimagine how children discover and learn at the Lutz,” said Edward Widofsky, chairperson of the museum’s Board of Directors. “Buxton’s background as an educational leader will undoubtedly help advance the museum’s mission into the future.”

The Lutz Children’s Museum offers a wide variety of STEAM-centric classes, concerts, trips, and special events for young children and families. It is home to Chuckles, Connecticut’s official state groundhog and recently celebrated its 68th anniversary.

“Dr. Buxton has such enthusiasm for the Lutz Children’s Museum and the community it serves. The board has every confidence that she will be a transformational steward for the organization,” said Kevin Sullivan, secretary of the Board of Directors. “We’re very excited to see where she takes the museum next.”