Fort Ligonier names new executive director

After serving as interim since June, Henry C. Scully will now serve as Fort Ligonier’s executive director, its board of trustees has announced.

Scully, a former trustee, originally was appointed following longtime director Annie Urban’s resignation to accept a position with Seton Hill University.

Scully has a long history of service to the historic site and museum, according to a release, including serving as inaugural co-chair of the Fort’s major annual benefit, formerly The Musket Ball, now known as The Cannon Ball.

His appointment follows a search by Brent Glass, former head of the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History, and his Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm, according to Richard K. Danforth, the Fort’s board president.

Scully’s selection was unanimous, Danforth says.

”His expertise in nonprofit management and corporate finance has been extremely beneficial for the Fort’s operations,” he adds.

Scully, a Pittsburgh and Ligonier native who resides in Ligonier Township, recently served five years as executive director of the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled that the board of trustees have entrusted me with the leadership of this incredibly important historic site and museum,” Scully says.

“I have always loved Fort Ligonier and the staff’s unwavering commitment to preservation, education, and the development of new and enriching special events for the community and visitors alike. We are excited about the new programs planned for 2020, from the Speaker Series and Winter Quarters Workshop Series to this summer’s expanded artillery firings; there will be many new and wonderful opportunities to experience this historic landmark in the new year,” he says.

Scully also will serve as the executive director of Fort Ligonier’s sister site, Braddock’s Battlefield History Center, located in North Braddock.