Lucas Ross takes over American Banjo Museum after 22 years

Lucas Ross became the executive director of the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City on Nov. 1.

He takes over from Johnny Baier, who served in that role for 22 years before retiring. Baier plans to resume his career as a musician and entertainer. In a recent newsletter, he called his time leading the museum an "unexpected, amazing, joyful and fulfilling experience." He said he hopes to stay involved with the organization.

Ross is a native of Minco and has been an advocate for the museum for years. He has worked in television, entertainment and music for more than two decades. He won seven Heartland Emmy Awards and a national Emmy while working at KFOR-TV. His acting credits include The Tonight Show and the films Killers of the Flower Moon and The Rivals of Amziah King.

Ross is also a banjo player. He has worked with Disney’s The Muppets Studio since 2020, contributing music to projects featuring Kermit the Frog. In 2023, the studio named him Banjo Adviser to Kermit the Frog. He has been with the American Banjo Museum since 2018. He served as the community outreach and promotions coordinator, where he created educational programs and led Pick-a-Tune workshops.

The leadership change coincides with an extension of the museum's current exhibition, POP! Goes the Banjo!. The show explores how the banjo influenced television, film, comedy and popular music. It was originally scheduled to close on Oct. 31, but it will now remain open until May 15, 2027. The display includes Kermit the Frog’s banjo from The Muppet Movie (1979) and Steve Martin’s banjo from his comedy era. The museum plans to announce additional items for the extended run.

The American Banjo Museum is located in the Bricktown district. It is the only museum of its kind in the world. The institution offers exhibitions, educational programming and events focused on the history and cultural influence of the banjo.