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Sykes Joins Board of Museum of African American History, Works on Collaboration Exhibit with Peabody

Rebecca Sykes, Associate Head of School, was elected to the Board of Directors at the Museum of African American History this summer. “It is a privilege [to be selected for this position] and I look forward to serving it to the best of my abilities,” Sykes said. “I believe I can bring a unique perspective to the board, the view of someone at a school who is in touch with students and teachers at the secondary level, who might use the museum as a resource.” Sykes is currently working on a collaboration between the Museum of African American History and Andover’s Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology. “Our hope is to create a joint exhibit within the next couple of years,” said Sykes. “It will need to be planned well in advance but we have already begun to work on this project. Donald Slater, [Museum Educator at the Robert S. Peabody Museum,] has been in contact with the Museum of African American History to explore this connection.” Sykes believes her experiences on other boards will help her in her new position on the board of directors. She has experience serving on the Board of Simmons College, Cambridge at Concord Academy, and the Harvard University Nominating Committee. “My experiences will absolutely help me in this new position,” Sykes said. “Being in these volunteer positions bring people together who have a relationship to the cause and generate interest in it.” Sykes will be the 24th member of the Board of Directors at the Museum of African American History. The Museum of African American History has been a place of significance in Sykes’ life for years. Sykes said, “It is a place where my husband and I have gone for exhibits and programs. I never learned very much in school about the history of freed blacks so it has been fascinating to learn about their impact in Boston.” In 2006 she was inducted into the Legacy Society of the museum for donating $5000. According to the museum’s website, “Exhibits, programs, and education activities showcase the powerful stories of black families who worshipped, educated their children, debated the issues of the day, produced great art, organized politically and advanced the cause of freedom.” The Museum of African American History has been in existence since 1963 and is a non-profit organization. The museum has campuses in Boston and on Nantucket.