Trustee

The Museum is a registered charity and carries out its charitable objectives through the presentation of its historic rooms, decorative art and folk-art collections, special exhibitions, learning programmes, and gardens. Our organisation is the only one of its kind outside the boundaries of the United States. We welcomed over 60,000 visitors last year, most of them British.

The American Museum & Gardens is looking for new trustees to join us in shaping our future as we embark on a period of significant growth. You will help us to achieve our mission to educate, stimulate and inspire our visitors to further the understanding of American history and culture. Building on the success of the development of our magnificent gardens, the Museum now has ambitious plans to develop our historic rooms, displays of decorative art and folk-art collections, exhibitions and learning programmes.

You will be working alongside our Chair, Thomas Sheppard DL, who was appointed in 2025, and our new Director Lucy Littlewood, who joined us in March of this year.

Who we are looking for: We welcome applications from anyone who believes they can make a strong contribution to the oversight and governance of the charity and support the next phase of the Museum’s development, especially those with experience of philanthropy, commercial income generation and financial investment, marketing and communications. We are keen to receive applications from people with a wide range of life experiences.

Who we are: The American Museum & Gardens is entering a bold new chapter - one defined by growth, transformation, and transatlantic engagement. As the only museum of Americana outside the United States, the Museum offers a unique platform for cultural exchange, storytelling, and public engagement. Set in 120 acres of historic parkland just outside the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, American Museum & Gardens combines the tranquility of the countryside with the cultural vibrancy of the city. It is a destination for families, learners, and explorers – offering immersive exhibitions, beautiful gardens, and a rich programme of events.

Why now: The Museum is adapting to a fast changing economic, social and cultural environment and has ambitious capital plans. We are currently shaping a new vision for the future of the organisation which will help us to achieve bold ambitions and long-term sustainability. Three experienced Trustees have recently come to the ends of their terms, and we wish to renew and diversify the skills represented on our Board.

We ask that you dedicate the time and effort required to fully participate as a Trustee. This includes meeting four times a year either in Bath, London, or virtually, as well as participating in sub committees and visiting the Museum for exhibitions and events.

What’s in it for you: This is an opportunity to see behind the scenes of the only Museum dedicated to American arts and culture outside of the USA, and to shape its future. You’ll be sharing your expertise with and learning from fellow Trustees as well as our exceptionally talented staff and volunteers. Most importantly you will be playing a key role in the Museum’s future.

How to apply: We will provide full support, training and induction for new Trustees. Please download the Trustee role description for further information via the button below. To apply please send your CV, a short summary of experience and a paragraph describing the contribution you can make to Joy Hutchinson. You are also welcome to call Thomas or Anne for an informal conversation, please contact Joy in the first instance if you wish to do so. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 26th May 2026 and interviews will take place week commencing 1st June 2026.