SnapShot: Craig Gemmell

Beyond the House Museum

New President Craig Gemmell hopes to transform Hildene into a deeper, more dynamic force in the cultural life of Manchester and Southern Vermont.

STORY BY STEPHEN PIERCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG LIGHT

When Craig Gemmell arrived last December as the new president of Hildene, he brought decades of experience in education, fundraising, and institution-building—along with a clear conviction: the Lincoln Family Home can become an even more powerful force in the educational and cultural life of Manchester and Southern Vermont.

For the past decade, Gemmell served as Head of School and then President at Brewster Academy, following 21 years as a teacher and administrator at Groton School. Now living in Rupert, VT with his family, he steps into leadership at a moment when Hildene is poised to expand both its reach and its relevance.

I spoke with Gemmell about what drew him to Hildene, how his background in education has shaped his leadership, and why he believes the institution can play a larger role in the region.

Stephen: After working in independent schools for over 30 years, what attracted you to the post at Hildene?

Craig: Over the past few years, as I approached 60, I began thinking carefully about how I wanted to spend the final chapter of my professional life. The criteria I developed were fairly simple: I wanted to live full time in Southern Vermont after decades of coming and going; I hoped to remain connected to education, but was also open to working outside of a traditional school setting if I could make a meaningful contribution to the community; and I wanted to work alongside talented, mission-driven people.

Stephen: And Hildene became that opportunity?

The greenhouse in the dene.

Craig: Yes—it truly felt serendipitous. Early last summer, after wrapping up ten demanding years at Brewster, I committed to taking the time needed to find the right next step. Remarkably, on the second day of that search, a friend sent me the Hildene posting.

As I explored the role—reading the position description, speaking with the search firm and trusted colleagues, and even visiting the property quietly on my own—it became clear that my experience aligned closely with Hildene’s needs. The board and staff were seeking someone who could engage deeply with questions of mission and market, chart a clear path forward, and then help the organization move decisively in that direction. That is precisely the work I’ve been doing for decades.

Stephen: What have you been up to now that you’ve been at Hildene since December?

Craig: First and foremost, I’ve been getting to know the staff—and what a remarkable group they are: talented, dedicated, welcoming, and genuinely kind.

At the same time, we’ve been preparing for the 2026 season, which is now underway. In doing so, we’ve developed a number of exciting new programs, and we’re confident that both local residents and visitors will find a great deal to enjoy.

I’ve also spent considerable time understanding Hildene’s extraordinary physical assets. There is a tremendous amount here to steward—from the beauty and complexity of the house itself to the vibrant farm in the dene below. Each requires thoughtful care and attention.

Equally important are what I think of as Hildene’s “metaphysical” assets: the enduring presence of the Lincoln family, whose stories still resonate throughout the property, and the legacy of the Friends of Hildene, whose vision and determination preserved this place in the 1970s. Honoring and amplifying those stories is essential.

Ultimately, my role is to ensure that Hildene continues to act with increasing clarity and strength in service of its mission.

Stephen: Could you outline a few of the ways you hope to achieve this goal?

Craig: Absolutely.

We need to offer programs that draw visitors from both near and far throughout the year. That includes strengthening what we already do well—in the home of Robert and Mary Lincoln, in our youth education programs, and at the farm—while also fully activating our newest space, Lincoln Hall.

This spring, we’ll announce a lineup of nationally recognized speakers who will explore civil discourse as part of America’s 250th anniversary—a timely theme given the polarization in our public life. We’re also expanding our musical offerings, with performances both in the historic home and in Lincoln Hall, and creating memorable farm-to-table experiences featuring food grown on-site and prepared by our chef, Nick Disorda.

All these efforts are designed not just to attract visitors, but to create meaningful, mission-driven experiences.

Stephen: I see you had an event in Lincoln Hall honoring documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.

Craig: Yes, we’re thrilled about that. Ken Burns received the Lincoln Forum Film Award for his landmark documentary on the Civil War. The ceremony took place as part of the broader Lincoln Forum, a gathering of leading Lincoln scholars here in Manchester and at Hildene in early May. It was an engaging and enriching weekend.

Stephen: All of this clearly reflects your background in education. How did your years at Brewster Academy and Groton shape you as a leader?

Craig: I learned early on that leading a school is fundamentally about building a strong culture, ensuring excellence in the present, and developing a clear, forward-looking vision—then sustaining that growth over time.

It didn’t take long for me to see that Hildene functions, in many ways, like a school. Visitors come here to learn—about history, agriculture, the natural world, and more—and our staff are, in effect, exceptional teachers. That realization made it natural for me to draw on my experience in education as I think about how to strengthen Hildene’s culture and guide its future development.

Craig on the observation platform of Sunbeam, the restored wooden Pullman Car

Stephen: How might Hildene play a more prominent role in the educational and cultural life of Manchester and Southern Vermont? 

Craig: We can do more to activate the powerful narratives embedded in this place—using not only our historic buildings, but also our work in agriculture and environmental stewardship. 

At a time when younger generations are immersed in the immediacy of smartphones and social media, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to show that history is not static. It’s a tool for inquiry and reflection, and those reflections can shape the course of a life. 

We also need to engage more directly with the community—partnering with like-minded organizations, supporting the development of civics education, and creating spaces where meaningful civil discourse can take place across differences. This is both important work and entirely within our reach. 

Stephen: You mentioned civics education and working to improve civil discourse and one’s sense of community. How important is it for Hildene to reach young people, especially through hands-on programs? I see on the Hildene website programs like your farm and food studies work with the local Burr & Burton students. 

Craig: I believe deeply that Hildene’s most important work lies in shaping the imaginations, choices, and trajectories of the next generation. Young people today are navigating a world that is more complex, more uncertain, and in many ways more overwhelming than the one I experienced growing up. 

What makes Hildene so special is the sheer range of experiences it offers—so many opportunities to draw young people away from screens and into meaningful engagement with the world around them. I’ve long believed that one of the most important tasks of childhood is to become genuinely interested in something that matters. Hildene offers countless pathways for that kind of discovery. 

Stephen: How did your final decision to take the Hildene position come about? 

Craig: After my final interview on the property, I returned with my 25-year-old son—now a ski instructor at Stratton Mountain—before making my decision. I wanted his perspective. 

About twenty minutes into walking the grounds, he told me to stop overthinking it—that everything about Hildene aligned with who I am. That clarity made the decision easy. 

Stephen: It sounds like he was right. 

Craig: He usually is. I love this place— the people, the work, and the possibilities. I’m truly excited about what lies ahead and about the opportunity to help Hildene grow in its ability to shape lives and serve its community with purpose and care.