Lynette Aznavourian, Museum Director

In January, 2023, the Old Schwamb Mill appointed Arlington resident Lynette Aznavourian as the new Museum Director, replacing Edward W. Gordon, who retired after serving the Mill as Director of Museum Events for the past 20 years.

“Ed left an indelible mark not only on the programs, events and exhibitions he oversaw at the Mill, but on the Arlington community itself. The combination of his knowledge of history, architecture, and museum management has been vital to the success of the Mill’s operations,” said Dermot Whittaker, President of the Schwamb Mill Preservation Trust, Inc. In addition to his work at the Schwamb Mill, Gordon served as president of the New England Chapter of the Victorian Society of America since 1991 and as museum administrator and first Executive Director of the Gibson House Museum from 1990 to 2001. He has also worked as an historic preservation consultant, preparing nominations of buildings and districts to the National Register of Historic Places.

Lynette Aznavourian, a life-long resident of Arlington, has worked in both small and large nonprofit organizations in the Boston area, where she focused on public relations, marketing and program development efforts. She has worked at the Old Schwamb Mill managing public relations and communications programming since 2015, resulting in increased visibility within the community. Previously, she worked at the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Historic Newton, and the Archeological Institute of America, overseeing media relations and publications production. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and a master’s degree from Boston University College of Communication.

David W. Graf, Frame Artisan & Wood Turner

Based in Kittery Point, Maine, David has been created beautiful hand-turned oval frames using a variety of wood species for more than 25 years. He also specializes in tower clock maintenance and repair and has worked on clocks nationwide.

Melissa Carr, Frame Artisan Apprentice

Melissa is the owner of Masterwork Conservation, which works with major museums and other clients to restore furniture, Asian laqure and sculpture. She is working one-on-one with David Graf to learn the art of making Schwamb frames.