The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is pleased to announce that Patricia Cecil has been appointed as the Museum’s next Executive Director. She will officially assume the role on January 5, 2026.
Cecil currently serves as the Specialist Curator for Faith, Religion, and WWI at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, where she leads the creation of exhibitions, programming, and digital experiences exploring the intersections of religion and war. Her work has emphasized community collaboration to ensure that the Museum and Memorial fosters meaningful connection, learning, and reflection for visitors of all backgrounds.
Prior to her role at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, Cecil served as Archivist and Director of the Moore Reading Room at the University of Kansas, home to the Religion in Kansas Project. She oversaw operations and budgets, and curated physical and digital exhibitions highlighting diverse cultural narratives.
Cecil holds a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Native Studies from the University of Iowa. Her master’s degree is in Indigenous Nations Studies with a specialization in Museum Studies from the University of Kansas.
“We are thrilled that Patricia will be joining The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures at such a pivotal moment of transformation and growth. Her strategic vision, commitment to community relevance, and passion for objects and storytelling will open new avenues for the Museum and Kansas City,” said Anne Manning, Chair of the Board of Directors.
With two decades of experience in the cultural heritage sector, Cecil brings deep expertise and knowledge in art, education, and non-profit leadership.
“I am incredibly excited to step into the role of Executive Director at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures and lead this extraordinary institution into its next chapter. Drawing on my experience in the cultural heritage sector, I’m eager to work alongside our talented staff, dedicated board, and vibrant Kansas City community to expand access to the remarkable stories behind toys and miniatures and create experiences that inspire wonder in visitors of all ages.”
The Board of Directors and staff warmly welcome Cecil into this key leadership role. They look forward to working together to advance the Museum’s mission and illuminate the social, cultural, and emotional significance of toys and miniatures. The Museum partnered with the Maneva Group, a leading woman and minority owned executive search firm, to conduct an extensive national search that led to Patricia Cecil’s selection.
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOYS AND MINIATURES
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures educates, inspires, and delights people of all ages by collecting, displaying, and interpreting toys and miniatures that illuminate diverse narratives and cultural heritage. Located on the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus, the Museum exhibits the world’s largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and one of the nation’s largest collections of historically significant toys on public display. For more information, call 816.235.8000 or visit www.toyandminiaturemuseum.org.
###
