Craig Gemmell Named President of Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

The Board of Trustees of The Friends of Hildene, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Gemmell as the next President of Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, effective December 1. He succeeds Brian Keefe, who announced his retirement earlier this year.

Craig joins Hildene at a pivotal moment, as the organization expands its capacity for education and community engagement with the opening of Lincoln Hall in 2024, Hildene’s new year-round programs and celebrations center.

“I am thrilled to join this remarkable organization,” said Gemmell. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by the Lincoln family, the Board of Trustees, Brian, and the staff — and to be working with everyone who is dedicated to ensuring Hildene continues to live its mission.”

Bob Hallenbeck, Chair of the Board of Trustees, shared the Board’s enthusiasm:

“Craig is an exceptional educator, fundraiser, and team leader whose passion for purposeful community and learning aligns beautifully with Hildene’s commitment to inspiring all generations through the Lincoln legacy. His values are Hildene’s values: community, civility, integrity, and perseverance.”

Hallenbeck also expressed gratitude on behalf of the Board and the greater Hildene community for Brian Keefe’s six years of leadership:

“Under Brian’s guidance, Hildene strengthened its ability to deliver immersive experiences, innovative educational programs, and dynamic exhibits that serve as a catalyst for personal and societal growth. We are better prepared for the future because of his contributions.”

Craig and his spouse, Nancy Hughes, reside in Rupert, Vermont. He brings decades of leadership in education to this role. Most recently, he served at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH — first as Head of School and later as President, guiding the launch of two international Brewster campuses in Madrid, Spain.  He spent 21 years at Groton School in Massachusetts as a faculty member and administrator, prior to Brewster. During his tenure at Brewster, the Academy completed a major fundraising campaign supporting campus infrastructure, program innovation, employee benefits, and need-based financial aid.

Craig holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies from Antioch University (Keene, NH), an M.A. in Environmental Science from Duke University (Durham, NC), and a B.S. in Biology from Trinity College (Hartford, CT).

Celebrating its 120th year, Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, is a 412-acre historic estate in Manchester, Vermont, built at the turn of the 20th century by Robert Lincoln— the only surviving son of Abraham and Mary Lincoln. Overlooking the Battenkill Valley, the estate features a Georgian Revival home, formal garden, observatory, 14 historic buildings, a 1903 Pullman railcar, Hildene Farm, teaching greenhouse, and wetland boardwalk. Saved from development in the late 1970s by local citizens and now operating as a nonprofit, Hildene is a vibrant center for history, education, agriculture, and environmental stewardship — living its mission every day: Living the Lincoln Legacy.