The American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown district has named Lucas Ross its new executive director, effective Nov. 1, following the retirement of Johnny Baier after 22 years of leadership.
Baier, who helped shape the museum’s mission of preserving and celebrating the banjo’s history, plans to return to performing as a musician and entertainer. In a recent museum newsletter, he described his tenure as an “unexpected, amazing, joyful and fulfilling experience” and expressed his hope of remaining involved with the institution.
Ross, a Minco native and longtime museum advocate, brings more than two decades of experience in television, entertainment and music. A seven-time Heartland Emmy Award winner and national Emmy Award recipient for his work at KFOR-TV, Ross has appeared on The Tonight Show and in films including Killers of the Flower Moon and The Rivals of Amziah King.
An accomplished banjo player, Ross has collaborated with Disney’s The Muppets Studio since 2020, contributing music to projects featuring Kermit the Frog. In 2023, he was named “Banjo Adviser to Kermit the Frog” in recognition of their musical collaborations.
Ross has been part of the American Banjo Museum since 2018, serving as community outreach and promotions coordinator, developing educational programs and leading the museum’s popular Pick-a-Tune workshops.
The leadership change comes alongside an extension of the museum’s POP! Goes the Banjo! exhibition, which explores the instrument’s influence on television, film, comedy and popular music.
Originally scheduled to close Oct. 31, the exhibition will now run through May 15, 2027. Highlights include Kermit the Frog’s banjo from The Muppet Movie (1979) and Steve Martin’s banjo from his famous “wild and crazy” comedy era. Additional exhibit surprises are expected to be announced.
Located in Bricktown, the American Banjo Museum is the only museum of its kind in the world, offering exhibitions, educational programming and events celebrating the instrument’s history and cultural influence.