Hammond Castle Museum Appoints Laura Chadwell as Director of Development

Gloucester, MA. Feb. 17, 2026: Hammond Castle Museum is proud to announce that it has appointed Laura Chadwell as the new Director of Development to advance strategic philanthropic growth and to steward member, donor, and corporate sponsors, underscoring the Museum’s commitment to enhancing visitor experiences and strengthening community engagement.

A seasoned fundraising professional with a strong record of expanding institutional support and building strategic partnerships, Laura Chadwell most recently served as Director of Institutional Giving for Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEMA), the largest girl-serving organization in the Commonwealth, with 19,000 youth and 11,000 adult members. The organization’s focus on entrepreneurship, STEM, and leadership closely aligns with Hammond Castle Museum’s mission to inspire learning through the interconnected worlds of history, art, and science.

“We are delighted to welcome Laura to our team. Laura will play a key role in driving Hammond Castle Museum’s philanthropic efforts by cultivating and stewarding high-level sponsor and donor relationships in support of the Museum’s mission and bold vision for the future,” said Executive Director Linda Harvey.

At GSEMA, Chadwell oversaw and stewarded a diverse portfolio of foundation, government, and corporate funding totaling $1.05 million annually. Prior to this role, she served as Director of Grants and Community Engagement for the YMCA of Metro North, where she expanded the organization’s grants portfolio from $300,000 to $1.3 million in annual revenue, securing multiple six-figure gifts. She also played a significant role in the major capital campaign for the new Demakes Family YMCA in Lynn, managing relationships with corporate, private, federal, and state funding partners.

Chadwell launched her career in the nonprofit sector as a Development Associate at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee before moving to Lesley University, where she served as a Human Resources Specialist. She earned her Master of Education in Arts, Community, and Education from Lesley, and she is also a Certified Grants Professional (GPC). 

“I’m excited to join Hammond Castle Museum at such a dynamic time in its history,” said Chadwell. “I look forward to working with the Museum’s dedicated partners and cultivating new relationships across New England to support the Museum as it prepares to celebrate its centennial in a few years.”

About Hammond Castle Museum:  Hammond Castle Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and legacy of John Hays Hammond Jr., renowned as “The Father of Radio Control.” Built from 1926 to 1929 and incorporated as a museum in 1930, the castle served as Hammond’s residence and laboratory, showcasing his pioneering work in radio control and military technology, including guided torpedoes. The Museum features a collection of Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance artifacts, the third-largest pipe organ in a private residence, and the only surviving mural by American Artist and Illustrator Eric Pape. As a STEAM-based organization, Hammond Castle Museum combines its historic significance as a house museum and lapidarium, highlighting works of stone and marble, while offering a full range of cultural and educational events throughout the year. 

Contact: Mary Goldberg