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William R. Cross

Author, “Winslow Homer: American Passage," and of the life of Louis Comfort Tiffany, that Farrar, Straus & Giroux will publish in Spring 2026.

William R. Cross is an accomplished author and principal at Cross Museum Consultancy, where he specializes in serving art and history museums. He has been in this role since May 2017 and is based in the Greater Boston area.2

Background and Education

Cross is a graduate of Yale College, where he earned his degree magna cum laude, and he holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. His career has spanned various roles in the non-profit and for-profit sectors, particularly focusing on the visual arts and cultural heritage.12

Notable Works and Contributions

He is the author of the biography Winslow Homer: American Passage, published in 2022 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux. This work explores the life and artistic journey of Winslow Homer, a significant figure in American art history. Cross is also working on a biography of Louis Comfort Tiffany, which is set to be published in Spring 2026.124

In addition to his writing, Cross served as the curator for the exhibition Homer at the Beach: A Marine Painter’s Journey, 1869-1880, held at the Cape Ann Museum in 2019. This exhibition was well-received and highlighted the development of Homer as a marine painter, involving contributions from numerous prestigious art collections.124

Leadership Roles

Cross is the chairman of the advisory board for the Yale Center for Faith and Culture, where he leads efforts to expand its philanthropic base. His extensive experience includes consulting for various museums, focusing on strategic planning and operational objectives.123

Overall, William R. Cross is recognized for his deep engagement with American art history and his commitment to enhancing the operational and curatorial practices of museums.

Highlights

Nov 5 · linkedin

For any and all New Yorkers, I’m speaking at the Park Avenue Armory Monday November 6th and it is open to the public! Seats still available. And the space is one of the most spectacular in New York, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and others around 1880. So if you come and don’t like the speaker, enjoy the view! My talk kicks off a wonderful series of lectures this fall:

May 11 · linkedin

It was such an honor to learn that my book is now officially a Must-Read! So says the Massachusetts Center for the Book, which listed it as part of the 23rd annual Massachusetts Book Awards. Other non-fiction Must-Read titles include best-selling books by Eric Jay Dolin, Margaret Burnham and Roger Lowenstein. The fiction titles include superb new books by Geraldine Brooks and Celeste Ng. I am so grateful to share this honor with such gifted authors.  Congratulations, one and all!   #grateful

Related Questions

What inspired William R. Cross to write "Winslow Homer: American Passage"?
How did William R. Cross's background in investment management influence his work in museums?
What are some of the notable exhibitions William R. Cross has curated?
How did the "Homer at the Beach" exhibition impact the Cape Ann Museum?
What is the focus of William R. Cross's upcoming biography on Louis Comfort Tiffany?
William R. Cross
William R. Cross, photo 1
William R. Cross, photo 2
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Location

Greater Boston