Rooted in San Antonio with a significant tenure at the Witte Museum, Dr. Everidge brings a unique combination of institutional knowledge, community connection and visionary leadership to this role. She succeeds Dirk Elmendorf, who stepped in as a transitional leader following the transformative legacy of Marise McDermott’s remarkable 20-year tenure. “Michelle will lead the Witte with expertise and passion that honors the museum’s legacy,” said Ryan Pape, Chair of the Witte Museum Board of Trustees.
“We are excited for her to work with the community to shape a bold future for the museum.” Dr. Everidge’s extensive academic background underscores her commitment to education and cultural stewardship, values that are central to the Witte Museum’s mission. She holds a PhD from the University of Delaware, an MA from Parsons School of Design and an AB from Princeton University, where she graduated summa cum laude. A Hometown Leader for the Witte’s Next Century Dr. Everidge’s connection to the Witte began long before her professional career. Growing up in San Antonio, she visited the museum often as a child, sparking a lifelong love of museums and history.
Fifteen years ago, she joined the Witte as a grant writer and quickly developed expertise across the organization. Her work has spanned fundraising and finance, curatorial and collections and inquiry-based pedagogy, culminating in her most recent role as Deputy Director. Dr. Everidge is known for her innovative leadership and her ability to listen deeply to the needs of community members, families, children, donors and partners. She has spearheaded transformative initiatives such as the acclaimed Black Cowboys: An American Story exhibition and the 2024 Conference on Texas. The conference, themed Ode to Juneteenth: Slavery in Texas, featured keynote speaker Annette Gordon-Reed and drew over 400 attendees, sparking critical conversations about the role of slavery in the state’s complex history.
In addition to her leadership at the Witte, she serves on the Executive Committee of the Texas Association of Museums where she is dedicated to the broader museum community and cultivating meaningful partnerships. “Leading the Witte Museum is both a personal and professional honor,” said Dr. Everidge. “The Witte has shaped who I am, and I am deeply committed to its mission of inspiring people to shape the future of Texas. I look forward to building on the foundational work of Marise McDermott and Dirk Elmendorf to ensure the Witte continues to serve as a center for curiosity, discovery and transformation for generations to come.”
Looking Ahead to the Centennial Dr. Everidge’s leadership comes at an exciting time for the Witte as it prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. The centennial will include a year of celebrations featuring a community-wide birthday bash, exhibitions showcasing the museum’s collections and newly discovered fossils and an interactive journey through San Antonio’s cultural and culinary history. Under Dr. Everidge’s guidance, the Witte is poised to deepen its role as a vital cultural and educational resource for Texas, while amplifying its focus on Texas Deep Time, the themes of Land, Sky and Water and the unique viewpoint of millions, thousands and hundreds of years in the state’s history.
