The new executive director of the Mark Twain House & Museum will be Jeffrey L. Nichols, who was previously CEO of one of the largest museums in the country, the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Nichols has also held leadership roles at Georgetown Heritage in Washington, D.C., and Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s plantation retreat near Lynchburg, Virginia.
The Twain House selected Nichols after a national search. His appointment was announced Tuesday.
He succeeds Pieter Roos, who retired in November 2023.
Nichols is returning home to a familiar role in Hartford, having served as executive director of the Twain House from 2008 to 2012.
He worked his way up the ranks to helm the organization. During his first stint as executive director, he helped increase attendance to record highs.
“We are very fortunate that Jeff Nichols will be leading the Mark Twain House and Museum,” said Hans Miller, chair of the museum’s board of trustees. “His extensive experience in historic site and museum management, combined with his deep appreciation for Mark Twain and understanding of this organization, brings us a dynamic leader who can build on our past success.”
The Twain House is dedicated to helping visitors learn about the iconic writer, best known for authoring “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and its sequel, “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
“Jeff’s lifelong affinity for Twain and his extensive experience in managing historic sites make him an ideal leader for the organization,” said David Baldacci, novelist and board member.
The Twain House, which marked its 150th year in 2024, has been named “Best Historic House Tour In America” by National Geographic and “Best Museum in Connecticut” by Conde Nast.
About 50,000 people visit every year.
For information about the Twain House, visit: www.marktwainhouse.org.
