GLASTONBURY, CONNECTICUT — The Historical Society of Glastonbury is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Ritok as its new Executive Director. Ritok assumed the position on August 31, 2026.
A longtime museum professional with more than two decades of experience, Ritok brings an extensive background in museum curation, decorative arts, American material culture, and historical research to the Historical Society.
Ritok holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Art History from Kalamazoo College and a Master of Arts degree in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from the Parsons School of Design/Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Institution.
Throughout her career, she has held curatorial positions at Historic Deerfield, the Museum of the City of New York, Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian National Design Museum, and the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Her scholarship has focused in part on the material culture and craftsmanship of early New England. Together with her research partner, Kevin G. Ferrigno, Ritok leads a long-term study of Hartford County cabinetmakers during the Federal period. Their work has been the subject of numerous public programs and articles.
In addition to her curatorial and scholarly work, Ritok is chair of the American Painting, Sculpture and Furniture Vetting Committee for TEFAF New York. She is also a member of the Ellsworth Memorial Association Collections Committee and an active member of numerous professional organizations devoted to curatorial practice and the study and collecting of Americana.
“Christine brings an extraordinary combination of museum experience, scholarly knowledge, and enthusiasm for the material culture and history of our region,” said Barbara Theurkauf, President of the Historical Society of Glastonbury’s Board of Directors. “Her deep understanding of early American decorative arts and her extensive experience working with museum collections will be tremendous assets to the Historical Society. We are delighted to welcome her and look forward to her leadership as we continue to preserve, interpret, and share Glastonbury’s rich history.”
“I am honored to join the Historical Society of Glastonbury,” said Ritok. “Glastonbury has an extraordinarily rich history, and I look forward to working with the Board, volunteers, members, and the community to build upon the Society’s important work. I am especially excited about the opportunity to connect people with the objects, stories, and places that make Glastonbury’s history so distinctive.”
As Executive Director, Ritok will lead the Historical Society in advancing its mission to preserve and share the history of Glastonbury through its collections, exhibits, historic properties, educational programs, and community engagement. She will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, members, and community partners to build upon the Society’s longstanding commitment to connecting residents and visitors with Glastonbury’s past.
About the Historical Society of Glastonbury
The Historical Society of Glastonbury is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the history of Glastonbury, Connecticut. Through the Museum on the Green, historic properties, collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and community events, the Society connects people with the stories, places, and objects that illuminate Glastonbury’s past.