By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
Photo provided by Historic Deerfield
(Deerfield, MA) Earlier this week Historic Deerfield President and CEO Phillip Zea announced his intention to retire in the Spring of 2021. Zea has served in his position since 2003, but was previously employed by Historic Deerfield from 1981-1999 and left as Deputy Director and Chief Curator. Zea is the recipient of the 2009 Award of Merit from the Antiques Dealers’ Association of America, or ADA, and the 2017 President’s Award at Old Sturbridge Village.
“I love the dual jobs of advancing and preserving Deerfield’s authenticity and national significance as both a great institution and an important place in American history. If you value cultural history, sense of place, deep documentation, natural beauty, name recognition, and collegiality, Deerfield is the place to be,” said Zea.
Historic Deerfield was founded in 1952 and currently maintains 50 historical structures in the area including 12 historic houses. The museum holds historically significant artifacts that are both rare and common, and is regularly open to the public, although during COVID-19 the museum continues to remain closed. The nation wide search for the next President and CEO is underway.