Former director of Erie Museum, Joshua Helmer, has been replaced by Pam Masi, following misconduct allegations across two institutions.
Helmer’s tenure as manager ended at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 2018 following allegations that he had made advances toward a number of female employees during his time there.
It has since been revealed that officials within the museum did not respond to the complaints in accordance with guidelines.
Following the complaints made against Helmer becoming public knowledge earlier this year, over 400 members of staff, both current and previous, have signed a letter voicing their displeasure at the current museum structure and lack of accountability.
Manager in the education department, Ah-Young Kim, voiced concerns: “As someone who has worked at the museum for 20 years, I know they need to finish the renovation. But can you imagine opening more galleries for programming and exhibitions when the staff is so defeated?”
In response to concerns, the museum has commissioned a consultant to create a “cultural assessment” of the workplace and listening to the concerns of staff.
Richard Dietrich III, a trustee of the museum, has said that: “The museum is taking it really seriously.”
Helmer’s dismissal from the Philadelphia Museum of Art did not prevent him from securing the directorship of Erie Museum soon after.
The latter institution voiced concerns that they were not made aware of Helmer’s behaviour at the previous institution. A spokesperson for the institution said that “no issues were identified during our due diligence."
Since the publication of a New York Times expose on Helmer’s behaviour, he has been fired by the Erie Art Museum and replaced Masi, who is acting as the museum’s interim leader.
