Press Release: PMA Names New Head of Education
Following a record-breaking spring, museum names a local leader to deepen public engagement ahead of a transformative expansion.
For Immediate Release: May 12, 2025
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The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) is pleased to announce Sarah Timm as the museum’s new Peggy L. Osher Head of Education. With over a decade of experience in museum education, strategic planning, and interpretive programming, Timm brings a deep commitment to inclusive engagement and community-centered learning to her new role at the PMA.
Timm joins the museum from the Maine Maritime Museum (MMM), where she has served as Director of Education since 2016. At MMM, she led a range of successful initiatives that connected audiences to Maine’s maritime history and environmental future. Drawing on her background in art history, Timm has built innovative and inclusive learning experiences that bring relevance to all corners of the collection by centering human stories and diverse voices.
“My leadership at the PMA will be grounded in three core values,” says Timm. “Range of perspective; commitment to collaborative creativity; and a clarity of vision that positions the PMA as a vital community partner. I am excited to apply my experience designing interpretive strategies that foster dialogue and discovery.”
Timm’s past work includes developing Re|Sounding, a collaborative exhibition addressing Maine’s maritime connections to slavery, and launching MMM’s first high school internship program, Green Teens, focused on environmental storytelling. Under her leadership, the museum saw a 520% increase in school visitation and a 340% increase in education fundraising. She also served as the founding chair of MMM’s DEAI Committee and secured major funding from institutions including the National Endowment for the Humanities.
“Sarah brings a remarkable blend of strategic vision, creativity, and inclusive leadership,” says Shalini Le Gall, the PMA’s Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs. “Her approach to education and interpretation is rooted in dialogue and connection, qualities that align perfectly with the PMA’s mission and values.”
Timm holds an MA in Art History from Florida State University and serves on the Board of Directors for the Museum Education Roundtable, which promotes research and advancement in museum education internationally. Known for her collaborative style and passion for mentorship, she has worked across departments to align exhibitions, programs, and partnerships with institutional goals and audience needs.
“I believe that art in any form can spark curiosity, belonging, and conversation,” Timm says. “Whether it's a Winslow Homer painting or a student mural, I look forward to cultivating a museum experience that reflects the richness of our communities and invites everyone into the conversation.”
This announcement follows the success of Art in Bloom, the museum’s beloved annual celebration of art and flowers, which welcomed nearly 10,000 visitors over five days—breaking attendance records and highlighting the potential to revitalize Portland’s Arts District. With a transformative campus expansion on the horizon, the PMA is investing in bold, inclusive leadership to shape the future of public engagement and interpretation.
About the Portland Museum of Art
The Portland Museum of Art, located blocks from the working waterfront in Maine's largest city, seeks to tell multifaceted stories through art. Showcasing significant holdings of American, European, and contemporary art, as well as iconic works from Maine—the extensive collection highlights the rich artistic tradition of the state and its artists. Free school tours, family activities, curator talks, and tours of the Winslow Homer Studio—it's all happening at the PMA.
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