JAY S. WILLIAMSON

Jay S. Williamson, fascinated by history and specifically the country’s bicentennial celebrations, began dealing in art and antiques as a boy in his hometown of Newburyport, MA during the mid 1970’s.

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire he turned avocation into vocation, supplying material for antique dealers exhibiting up and down the east coast.  Throughout the 1990’s he focused his attention on paintings and as a buyer and seller established relationships with many of the most prominent galleries in New England. 

Following a three year tenure on the board of directors of the Historical Society of Old Newbury, Cushing House Museum, he accepted an offer to become curator in November of 1997.  He focused his efforts on cultivating the growth of the campus, grounds, collection and endowment before stepping down in May of 2014 after nearly 17 years. Jay now works full-time as a fine art and antiques appraiser and consultant. 

Jay has lectured broadly on a variety of subjects for organizations including: City of Newburyport; The Historical Society of Old Newbury;  Customs House Maritime Museum; Amesbury Carriage Museum; Rowley Historical Society; Essex County National Heritage Area; Piscataqua Decorative Arts Society;  Victorian Society, Boston and Malden Historical Society among others.  His scholarship has appeared in countless books, periodicals, and newspapers. Additionally, he has appeared on television and radio on the subject of fine and decorative art, antiques, and Historic Americana.