Aaron De Groft
Published 3:34 pm Monday, January 20, 2025
Aaron De Groft: Visionary Museum Leader, Educator, and Advocate for the Arts
Aaron De Groft, a dynamic museum professional, talented public speaker, and passionate advocate for the arts, passed away after a brief illness on January 18th at the age of 59. With a career spanning decades, De Groft’s leadership and vision transformed the institutions he served, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural world.
As a proud 1984 Honors graduate of Smithfield High, Aaron subsequently graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1988. He earned his undergraduate degree while also a member of the William & Mary baseball team. His time on the field and in the classroom reflected his discipline, determination, and passion for connecting with others. He later pursued advanced degrees, earning a master’s in art history from the University of South Carolina and a doctorate in art history from Florida State University, achievements that laid the foundation for his celebrated career in the arts and as champion for art and cultural institutions in the South.
De Groft began his professional journey at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida, where he honed his curatorial and leadership skills. At the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, De Groft’s innovative leadership elevated the museum’s national profile and restored to splendor the Ca d’Zan mansion. He developed groundbreaking exhibitions and programs, bringing new energy and accessibility to the institution.
De Groft’s tenure as director of the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William & Mary was marked by his visionary leadership and focus on collaboration. Under his guidance, the Muscarelle became a cultural and intellectual beacon, known for its thought-provoking exhibitions and partnerships that brought international recognition to the museum. His mentorships and leadership of the study abroad program in Florence, Italy (his spiritual second home) inspired many students to pursue advanced degrees and careers in art and art history, with alumni of his programs contributing to prestigious institutions around the globe.
As the head of the Orlando Museum of Art, De Groft worked tirelessly to expand the museum’s reach and inclusivity. He championed diverse exhibitions, broadened membership, and advocated for improved employee benefits and wages, all while maintaining his focus on the arts as a force for education and community connection.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, De Groft helped establish the Williamsburg-James City County Educational Foundation, where he supported initiatives to enhance educational opportunities for students. His service reflected his belief in the transformative power of creativity and learning.
Aaron De Groft is survived by his beloved wife and children, Lee, Graham and Ellie De Groft; parents Mary Ellen and Herb De Groft, and his brother Jason De Groft, as well as a wide international circle of colleagues, friends, and admirers who were touched by his generosity, vision, and unwavering dedication to the arts. His legacy lives on in the vibrant institutions he transformed and the countless lives enriched by his work.
A memorial service will be held in the spring in Williamsburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the WJCC Schools Foundation, reflecting Aaron’s lifelong commitment to advancing the arts and education.