JAMESTOWN— Preservation Virginia and Jamestown Rediscovery have selected Dr. Todd Arrington as the new Executive Director of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation.
Jamestown Rediscovery is a subsidiary of Preservation Virginia, a statewide preservation nonprofit, and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the original site of James Fort and Jamestown. Jamestown Rediscovery says Dr. Arrington is an experienced leader and historian with more than two decades of experience in cultural heritage institutions.
“Jamestown Rediscovery is pleased to have selected Dr. Arrington for this role,” said Jim Reagan, Chairman of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation Board of Trustees. “With his experience at the head of large organizations, managing capital projects, and strong leadership skills, Jamestown’s future is in good hands.”
“As our nation reflects on our 250th anniversary, Jamestown is poised to play a big role, and I’m confident Dr. Arrington will lead Jamestown Rediscovery to success,” said Tim Bentley, Chairman of the Preservation Virginia Board of Trustees.
Jamestown Rediscovery says Dr. Arrington began his cultural heritage career as a historian in Nebraska after serving in the United States Army. He was then appointed Chief of Interpretation & Education with the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, served as Acting Superintendent at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and, most recently, Director at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. He has worked closely with tribal communities, overseen major capital projects, and leveraged comprehensive programming and exhibits to increase visitation.
The foundation said that Arrington is an experienced educator, as well, having taught history and humanities courses at colleges and universities in Ohio. This role marks a return for Arrington, who was born in Norfolk and has deep family ties to both Norfolk and Richmond.
“I’m thrilled to be at Jamestown,” said Dr. Arrington. “It’s incredibly meaningful to be here during our nation’s 250th anniversary, which wouldn’t have happened without the trials and triumphs that occurred at Jamestown. Looking ahead, there are exciting and significant developments on the horizon for the Save Jamestown campaign as we work to protect the site from rising floodwaters. I’m looking forward to learning more about Jamestown’s history and to welcoming visitors to learn alongside me.”
Dr. Arrington begins his new position this week.
