CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center proudly announces that its Executive Director, Frank Lott, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Service to the Museum Profession Award by the Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC).
Lott will be recognized during the SEMC Awards Luncheon on Oct. 22, at noon at The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama.
The celebration will include a special leadership roundtable discussion with awardees. The Outstanding Service Award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the museum field through leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the mission of museums in the Southeast.
Statement from Shana Thornton, Museum’s Marketing & Media Manager and Montgomery County Deputy Historian:
Frank Lott’s leadership in the arts in Clarksville and Montgomery County began before he was the Executive Director of the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center. He has worked in the arts in this region since the 1980s, and our community can see his impact whenever they visit the museum and other arts and history locations around Montgomery County. In light of that, I knew that Frank deserved to be recognized by our southeast museum community. I reached out to Larry Richardson and Jeff Bibb to help me ensure that the nomination of Frank included all aspects of his work over the decades that he has served in our community. It is truly special to witness the Southeastern Museums Conference’s community honor Frank because he has dedicated much of his career, talents, and enthusiastic support of other artists to the expansion of Montgomery County’s artistic impact.
Statement from Larry Richardson, Chairman of the Museum’s Board of Trustees:
In the last two years, programs and publications have won top awards in state and regional museum competitions. The gentleman at the helm is a large part of the reason. Unprecedented milestones seem to be the norm under Frank’s leadership, as the Customs House Museum has just passed forty years of service to our community.
He is not just a player, but a leader in the study of the humanities and culture of this region.
Statement from Jeff Bibb, longtime friend and former business partner (BLF Marketing):
Frank Lott has had deep and game-changing involvement in The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center’s continuing upward trajectory as a Visitor Destination and Showcase of Clarksville- Montgomery County’s Rich Heritage and History since its founding during the City’s 1984 Bicentennial Year.
Under Lott’s direction, the Customs House Museum has expanded its community programs, strengthened regional partnerships, and enhanced visitor experience through art and educational initiatives. This recognition by SEMC reflects both his professional excellence and the Customs House Museum’s growing impact on arts and culture across the region.