Burlington's Amy Poehler Named To Comedy Museum Board Of Directors

BURLINGTON, MA — Amy Poehler is coming home to Burlington for the holidays.

Poehler — an actress, comedian, writer, producer, director and recent addition to the Advisory Board of Directors at the National Comedy Center — talked about her plans to return to her hometown during an appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," earlier this week.

The 1989 Burlington High graduate said her whole family is gathering at her childhood home in Burlington to spend Christmas together.

"It's been a long time since we've all been in the same house, and all the grandkids are going to stay there," Poehler said. "We'll all have inflatable beds, and everyone sleeping in the basement. It's going to be so fun."

Last week, Poehler joined the Advisory Board of Directors at the National Comedy Center, the Jamestown, New York museum that bills itself as the nation's official cultural institution dedicated to the art of comedy.

According to the National Comedy Center, Poehler has joined a roster of creative talent that will help guide the center's mission to present the vital story of comedy in a state-of-the-art museum and to preserve its heritage for future generations.

"I'm honored to be joining the National Comedy Center's Advisory Board," Poehler said. "It's clear that this is an incredible organization and a very special place. Every visit is a mind-blowing experience for me — it's become my favorite museum of all time."

Poehler added: "The National Comedy Center is doing extraordinary work to preserve stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, sitcoms, cartoons and so much more. Now, more than ever, we need to celebrate this art form, which heals us, soothes us and unites us. So, it's really a privilege for me to be a part of this organization."

Poehler has been an influential figure in the comedy world for years, spending eight seasons on "Saturday Night Live" and starring in the Emmy-nominated NBC comedy series "Parks and Recreation." She currently is the executive producer and co-host — along with Maya Rudolph —of the Peacock show "Baking It."

In 2021, Poehler worked closely with the National Comedy Center's Archives and Preservation Department as she researched the Emmy-award-winning Amazon documentary "Lucy and Desi."

"On behalf of the entire advisory board, we are delighted to have the gifted Amy Poehler join us," said comedian, writer Lewis Black, who is the chair of the National Comedy Center Advisory Board. "Amy understands the importance of comedy and the incredible impact it can have on our culture. We are so lucky to have her and look forward to working with her as we continue to fulfill the Comedy Center's non-profit mission."

Poehler fills the advisory board seat previously held by George Shapiro, the legendary talent manager and producer, who passed away earlier this year.