Rita Carr Named New Executive Director Of Nantucket Preservation Trust

Rita Carr has been named the new executive director of the Nantucket Preservation Trust (NPT), taking the reins from the non-profit's outgoing leader, Mary Bergman.

“I am humbled that the Board has trusted me to be NPT’s next leader. I am excited to continue NPT’s work advocating for historic preservation in the Nantucket community and working to protect what makes the island so special, and I look forward to this next chapter,” Carr said in a statement.

Carr was first hired as NPT’s director of media and communications in 2020 and was subsequently promoted to deputy director in 2023. She holds a BA in History from Vassar College and an MA in History Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program at SUNY Oneonta. She was appointed to the Nantucket Historical Commission in 2023 and has served as its chair since 2024.

Rita’s experience includes holding various roles at the Nantucket Historical Association, the MidAtlantic Association of Museums, the Hudson River Maritime Museum, and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site.

“NPT’s Executive Board has the utmost confidence and trust in Rita’s appointment as executive director," said Alison Potts, NPT board chair. "Rita will provide important continuity, having served as the deputy director for the past three years. Rita’s passion, talent, and capabilities will lead NPT into the future. Rita has a deep understanding of the island’s history and true character, having lived and worked in our Nantucket community for almost eight years. The Board of NPT is thrilled to have her at the helm of this organization."

Nantucket Preservation Trust is a nonprofit, membership-based organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting Nantucket’s unique architectural heritage and sense of place through documentation, education, and preservation action.