(l to r) Bill O'Brien, Larry Luxenberg and Gene Espy, second person to thru-hike the A.T., at 2016 Hall of Fame Banquet, credit Dan Innamorato In January, 2026, Larry Luxenberg announced to the Board of Directors of the Appalachian Trail Museum his intention to resign as President. Larry’s statement read in part: “After careful reflection, I have decided that it’s a good time for me to step down as President. I will soon turn 71 and have served in a leadership capacity with the Museum for 28 years. I feel it’s time to bring fresh ideas and energy to the leadership and I’m confident that we have a team in place that can carry the Museum forward. I plan to remain engaged with the Museum. I look forward to seeing the Museum evolve and grow over the years and am thankful for the many friendships that have resulted from this project.”
Meeting on February 11, the Museum Board agreed to accept Larry’s resignation with regret. The Board acted to name Bill O’Brien as Museum President effective immediately. Bill will serve as President for the remainder of Larry’s term, until the Museum’s 2027 Annual Membership Meeting.
Bill said: “I join with the rest of the Board in thanking Larry for his many years of service as Founder and President. Some other Board members and I have persuaded Larry to run for election as an outside Director of the Museum at the 2026 Annual Membership Meeting. Larry’s insights and experience will be vital as we navigate the next phase of the Museum’s existence.”
Meeting on February 11, the Museum Board agreed to accept Larry’s resignation with regret. The Board acted to name Bill O’Brien as Museum President effective immediately. Bill will serve as President for the remainder of Larry’s term, until the Museum’s 2027 Annual Membership Meeting.
Bill said: “I join with the rest of the Board in thanking Larry for his many years of service as Founder and President. Some other Board members and I have persuaded Larry to run for election as an outside Director of the Museum at the 2026 Annual Membership Meeting. Larry’s insights and experience will be vital as we navigate the next phase of the Museum’s existence.”
Bill O’Brien has been intimately involved with the Appalachian Trail for most of his life, in several capacities. Bill thru-hiked the A.T. in 1989 and again in 1992. He’s been a member of Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA) since his first thru-hike and has served ALDHA in several capacities, including Coordinator and newsletter editor. Bill has served on the Board of Managers of Appalachian Trail Conference (now Conservancy). He has served on the A.T. Museum’s Board since its inception and has been Secretary of the Board since 2004. He also serves on the Museum’s Hall of Fame selection committee.
At its February meeting the Museum Board also set the date and time of the 2026 Annual Membership meeting. It will be March 24 at 7 pm via Zoom. More information on the Annual Meeting will be included in a separate release.
At its February meeting the Museum Board also set the date and time of the 2026 Annual Membership meeting. It will be March 24 at 7 pm via Zoom. More information on the Annual Meeting will be included in a separate release.
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