Hammond Castle Museum Prepares For Long-Term Growth and Sustainability

Significant Expansions Include Five Newly Appointed Board of Directors Amid Drive For Increased Accessibility through Online Access to its Nearly Century-Old Archives
 

Gloucester, MA. Oct. 22, 2025: Hammond Castle Museum is proud to announce a period of dynamic growth and renewal with the appointment of five new board members. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter in the Museum’s continued evolution as a vibrant STEAM institution dedicated to innovation, education, and preservation. The expansion strengthens the Museum’s leadership as it prepares for future growth, building upon the steadfast dedication of board members who have served as committed stewards of the Museum for decades.

In tandem with this expansion, the Museum has unveiled its first-ever online collection, offering global access to nearly a century of historic artifacts and archival materials. This initiative reflects Hammond Castle Museum’s commitment to advancing its mission through modernization, digital engagement, and increased accessibility.

“The Museum’s new board members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to our organization, and the launch of our online collection represents a major milestone in our multi-year digitization project,” said Executive Director Linda Harvey. “Together, these efforts strengthen our ability to preserve John Hays Hammond Jr.’s legacy for future generations while expanding opportunities for learning and discovery.”

The new board members include Karen Van Dyke, who recently retired from the U.S. Government as the Director for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) and Spectrum Management in the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R). She has been involved in navigation-related programs for over 36 years, and is a recipient of multiple awards, including the Award for Meritorious Achievement, from the Secretary of Transportation. 

Mike Chapman retired in 2019 after a successful career in product and program management with a variety of technology companies, mainly in the telecommunications and collaboration space. He then took on the challenge of running the Formula Hybrid + Electric competition for his alma mater, the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth, where roughly 30 university teams design and build a hybrid or electric open-wheel race car.

Kaitlin McCafferty is a product marketing professional at OnePay, a fintech company focused on innovation in financial services. McCafferty also serves as Vice Chair of the Colby College Alumni Association, where she was honored with the Edson V. Mitchell ’75 Distinguished Service Award. 

Liisa Nogelo, an attorney and biotech executive, has 25 years of corporate, transactional, R&D and commercial legal and leadership experience in the industry. Prior to this work, she was the Lead Counsel at the Gates Medical Research Institute, a non-profit medical organization dedicated to the development and effective use of novel drugs, biologics, and vaccines addressing substantial global health concerns.

Completing the board is Luis Fernández, Principal of Fernandez & Associates, an engineering firm he founded in 1997 that specializes in fire protection engineering services. Throughout his career, Fernández has gained valuable experience working with various engineering firms and is licensed to practice engineering in three states.

For the full list of the Board of Directors, please visit: https://hammondcastle.org/the-board

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 organization, Hammond Castle Museum combines its historic significance as a house museum and lapidarium, highlighting works of stone and marble. 

Contact: Mary Goldberg