Jacqueline Dace Named Interim Executive Director of National Blues Museum

Director of Internal Affairs, Jacqueline K. Dace, has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the National Blues Museum, replacing Dion Brown who announced his resignation earlier this month.

Dace, has served as director of internal affairs with the National Blues Museum since February 2016 and will remain as interim until the Board of Directors conduct a nationwide search for replacement. Dace said, “It is my pleasure to take on this role, to help with the transition and to build upon and continue the work of the National Blues Museum”. Dace and Brown met when they both worked at separate institutions in Mississippi. “Jackie has shown a commitment to the museum profession and the National Blues Museum. I feel at ease, knowing that she is taking on this new role and as a colleague and friend, I offer my support for her throughout her career.”

Dace, a local native, has worked for 26 years in virtually every department of the museum field, including research, publications, education, collections, curatorial and administrative. Additionally, she’s been crucial in the areas of grant writing, development and fundraising. Dace worked for 16 years with the Missouri Historical Society, went on to work for the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago and later served as project manager for the building of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. Dace has served on committees with the American Alliance of Museums, the Oral History Association, the National Council on Public History, Organization of American Historians and she currently serves on the board of the Association of African American Museums.

“Since our opening, Dace has worked closely with the board and Brown in the development of programs, events and operations. She’s been integral in the success of this institution and we look forward to continuing to work with her as we move forward.” said Rob Endicott, the Chairman of the National Blues Museum.