John Morton Named Executive Director of the Paul Revere Museum of Discovery and Innovation

John Morton is the new Executive Director of the Paul Revere Museum of Discovery and Innovation. (Photo Courtesy Paul Revere Heritage Site)

CANTON — The Revere & Son Heritage Trust is pleased to announce that John Morton has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Paul Revere Museum of Discovery and Innovation (MoDI).

Morton, 47, brings a wealth of experience in museum studies, history education, and historical project coordination. He has taught at St. Joseph’s University and Boston College and holds a Ph.D. in History from Boston College, a Master’s degree in History from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Vermont.

With a background in public history — a discipline that emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning — Morton has a deep understanding of how museums can engage and inspire communities. His previous roles include serving as an instructor at the Samson Museum for the History of Pharmacy and the Maguire Art Museum in Philadelphia, where he oversaw student internships and taught an Introduction to Public History course in collaboration with both institutions.

Morton has also contributed to the field in several roles with the Trustees of Reservations in Massachusetts. He co-created an exhibit on the life of Elizabeth Freeman for the Ashley House in Sheffield, and he led a summer program at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead in Cummington.

A New England native, Morton is eager to return to his roots and guide MoDI into its next chapter.

“I’m really inspired by the passion and dedication that the people of Canton have already poured into the Heritage Site,” said Morton. “It’s an honor to join the project. I’m so excited by the potential we have here. The Paul Revere Museum of Discovery and Innovation is uniquely positioned to bridge history and creativity — telling stories of the past, while also sparking ideas for the future. I’m eager to get started!”

Morton will begin part-time at MoDI on April 14, transitioning to full-time on May 12.

“On behalf of the Trust, I am delighted to welcome John Morton as the first Executive Director of the Paul Revere Museum of Discovery and Innovation,” said Board of Directors Chairman Victor Del Vecchio. “John brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for history, education, and community engagement — qualities that align perfectly with our mission to bring Paul Revere’s legacy to life in new, innovative, and exciting ways.”

Scheduled to open in Fall 2025 and housed in the Historic Barn, the Paul Revere Museum of Discovery and Innovation will celebrate ingenuity, exploration, and new ways of understanding the world.

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