Lyman Allyn Museum Director Sam Quigley to Retire

Quigley has led the New London, CT museum since 2014, overseeing major expansions and acquisitions.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A hazy, impressionistic photograph of an art museum interior, with blurred figures of visitors moving through the space, conveying a sense of warmth, contemplation, and the quiet energy of a cultural institution.The Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut, will soon welcome a new director to build upon the legacy of the retiring Sam Quigley.New London Today

Sam Quigley, the director of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut, has announced his retirement after 12 years leading the organization. Quigley is credited with expanding the museum's contemporary art programming, building the Lyman Allyn Park, and growing the permanent collection with notable acquisitions. He will step down at the start of the summer, with the museum launching a national search for his replacement.

Why it matters

Quigley's departure marks the end of an era for the Lyman Allyn, which has seen significant growth and evolution under his leadership. The museum has become a more prominent cultural institution in southeastern Connecticut, expanding its reach and reputation. The new director will inherit a strong staff and collection, but will also face the challenge of building on Quigley's legacy and continuing to elevate the Lyman Allyn's profile.

The details

During his tenure, Quigley established the Near :: New Gallery to showcase contemporary regional artists, and created a permanent exhibition focused on the life and work of Louis Comfort Tiffany. He also guided the creation of the 12-acre Lyman Allyn Park, an urban green space accessible to the public. Additionally, Quigley oversaw acquisitions that added works by acclaimed artists like John Singer Sargent and David Driskell to the museum's permanent collection.

  • Quigley has served as the Lyman Allyn's director since May 2014.
  • He will step down from his role at the start of the summer.

The players

Sam Quigley

The retiring director of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, who has led the organization since 2014.

Liza Sharp

The president of the Lyman Allyn's board of trustees, who praised Quigley's transformative tenure.

Lyman Allyn Art Museum

The art museum located in New London, Connecticut, which Quigley has led for the past 12 years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a very special place.”

— Sam Quigley, Retiring director

“He brought the quality up a notch 'without being pedantic about it. It was truly organic and wonderful. He is so smart, and his background is pretty extraordinary. He knew what it means to be a big-city museum but also understands the power of being a local museum.”

— Liza Sharp, President of the board of trustees

“I've been helping my wife get through her battle with cancer, and unfortunately, she didn't win, and so this has been a big part of my departure, as sudden as it was. ... It's just part of the changes in my life right now.”

— Sam Quigley, Retiring director

What’s next

The Lyman Allyn Art Museum will use the executive search firm Museum Search & Reference to conduct a national search for a new director to replace the retiring Sam Quigley.

The takeaway

Quigley's retirement marks the end of a transformative era for the Lyman Allyn, as the museum has grown in stature and impact under his leadership. The new director will have the opportunity to build on Quigley's legacy and continue elevating the Lyman Allyn's profile as a prominent cultural institution in southeastern Connecticut.