My Story

I’m Adam Reed Rozan, a museum professional, educator, and writer based in Washington, D.C., where I’m continually inspired by the many ways museums serve their audiences and communities. I believe deeply in the power of museums to influence people, spark ideas, and inspire change. My work sits at the intersection of curiosity and community, helping museums take bold risks, invite public participation, and reflect the world around them.

Over the past two decades, I’ve worked across museums large and small to build audiences, strengthen partnerships, and create strategies that connect people with culture, education, and public life. Through roles ranging from internships to leadership positions at institutions including the Worcester Art Museum, Oakland Museum of California, Harvard Art Museums, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Boston Public Library, Boston Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Science, Boston, I have developed a deep understanding of how museums can foster a true sense of belonging and enhance public life. Today, my work continues with the Smithsonian, where I focus on audience and civic engagement, staff learning and culture, and Gen Z participation. I explore how museums can meet the moment and act as catalysts for civic connection and shared understanding.

I am a founding and steering committee member of the International Audience Engagement (IAE) Network, housed at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, and serve on the CoMuseum International Advisory Board in Athens, Greece. In the United States, I serve as National Programming Chair for Made By Us and as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Lead for Civic Season, initiatives that connect museums and cultural organizations around civic engagement.

Teaching and mentoring are an important part of my practice. I previously taught a course on museum audience engagement at Harvard University’s Extension School and continue to mentor emerging professionals. More recently, I co-taught the honors seminar Trauma at the Museum with Amy Nitza, Ph.D., at SUNY New Paltz, examining how museums can address complex histories with care and creativity.

Since 2017, I have conducted Q&As with museum and cultural leaders from around the world. These conversations explore how museums respond to change and imagine new futures. I also write regularly about museums, culture, and audience engagement for platforms such as the American Alliance of Museums. Across my writing, teaching, and museum work, my focus remains the same: connecting people to the power and potential of museums.

In 2025, I received the Smithsonian Education Achievement Award for founding the Staff Learning Series, a program that brings thought leaders from fields ranging from data science to design into conversation with Smithsonian staff. In 2023, I was named one of Blooloop’s Top Ten Museum Influencers.

I hold a Master of Liberal Arts in Museum Studies from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art, with a concentration in painting, from Elon University. I’ve also earned an Executive Certificate in Organizational Consulting & Change Leadership from Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies and a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University’s ILR School.

Museums matter most when they listen deeply, respond to the moment, and meet people where they are, inspiring curiosity, connection, and the possibility of change. My goal is to help museums stay curious and connected.

To keep reading, visit my blog here for my latest articles.