Historic Rangeley News

James Brown of Rangeley has been named the next Executive Director of the Rangeley Lakes Region Historical Society (also known as Historic Rangeley) which operates the Outdoor Heritage Museum in Oquossoc and the Rangeley History Museum in downtown Rangeley.

Brown had previously worked at Saddleback Maine as Development Finance Manager and M&H Logging as CFO. Brown succeeds Michelle Landry, who is stepping down in October after having led the organization since 2022.

Said Brown upon accepting the position. “I am honored to represent Historic Rangeley and am looking forward to expanding our exhibits and encouraging more people to come see our amazing artifacts and displays”.

Landry plans to continue serving nonprofits through her freelance and consulting work. Of the transition, she stated: “I am thrilled to welcome Jim Brown as our next leader and pass the torch to such capable hands. Jim not only brings his business and fundraising experience to Historic Rangeley, but also an unparalleled enthusiasm and dedication.”

Brown starts his tenure as Executive Director on October 19th, 2026.

The Board of the Rangeley Lakes Region Historical Society (Historic Rangeley) announces that Executive Director Michelle Landry has decided to step down from her role in October. Landry plans to spend more time with family and focus on her nonprofit consulting work.

Of her departure, Landry stated: “I am forever grateful to have been Historic Rangeley’s Executive Director for these last nearly five years and I’m so proud of how much the organization has advanced and evolved. I leave Historic Rangeley knowing that it is strong and vibrant, ready for the future, and in an exciting position to welcome its next leader. I am thankful to the Board, the staff, and the entire Historic Rangeley community for the wonderful support and delightful camaraderie while we worked to build something truly special together. I look forward to supporting this organization into the future and watching it continue to shine and flourish.”

Board President Ken Astor shared that “Michelle has been instrumental in moving this organization forward into its new chapter, upgrading and professionalizing internal systems and operations, offering engaging new programs, and growing our base of supporters while also creating strategy with the Board that will grow and strengthen this organization into the future. She will be very much missed, and the Board is truly appreciative of the foundational and impactful work she has done to advance Historic Rangeley’s mission and future.”

Landry was appointed Executive Director in March 2022 and led the organization through a variety of milestone projects in collaboration with the Board of Directors and staff. She oversaw facility upgrades at both the Outdoor Heritage Museum and Rangeley History Museum, introduced new exhibitions on the topics of the Region’s historic hotels and camps, food history, the Rangeley Boat, and most recently she curated and installed a new exhibition for the downtown Rangeley History Museum titled Rangeley Region History Makers. Landry also modernized the organization’s accounting and record-keeping systems and led an exciting marketing project in 2023 resulting in a refreshed and updated organizational brand. During her tenure, Historic Rangeley created its very first strategic plan since its inception in 1959, hired its first curatorial staffer, and fostered partnerships with other local organizations like the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust and Rangeley Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce.

Landry will be providing part-time interim leadership until a new Executive Director is appointed and all programs and operations are expected to continue without interruption. The Board will announce its plans for an executive director search in the near future.