AUSTIN, Texas - The Bullock Texas State Museum and the State Preservation Board on Friday announced the death of Bullock Museum Director Catherine Taylor. 

Taylor, a Texas native, began running the museum in August 2017. Relocating from Nantucket, Massachusetts, she described it as her “dream job.” Taylor died Thursday. 

“The trustees and staff of the Foundation are profoundly saddened by Cathy’s passing. The Museum was in excellent hands under her strong and expert leadership, and we greatly admired and appreciated her dedicated efforts,” said Sarita Hixon, president of the Texas State Historic Museum Foundation Board of Trustees.

Taylor had a 30-year career in state preservation and administration, uniquely qualifying her for the position.

“Cathy led the Museum with unparalleled commitment, humor, and grace, and in five short months had a profound impact on all of us here. While we’ll continue to move forward with the work in progress, the loss of her insight and perspective will be keenly felt,” Bullock Museum Deputy Director Margaret Koch said. “Our prayers are with her family and friends in this time of sorrow.”