Dr. R. Ruthie Dibble, The Robert N. Shapiro Curator of American Decorative Art

In 2023, Dr. R. Ruthie Dibble was appointed PEM’s first Robert N. Shapiro Curator of American Decorative Art — a position recently endowed by longtime PEM supporter, former Board President and Trustee Emeritus, Robert N. Shapiro.

Most recently serving as curator at The Chipstone Foundation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Dibble specializes in American and British decorative arts from the 18th century to the present. Her curatorial work expands the field of American decorative arts by examining the global circulation of objects, the relationship between craft and identity, and the role of craftspeople as agents of social change. Emphasizing collaboration and community connection, Dr. Dibble's curatorial projects empower diverse perspectives and audiences.

At PEM, Dr. Dibble oversees one of the country’s preeminent American decorative arts collections, featuring exceptional holdings of furniture, furnishings and works of material culture. She will soon develop an American decorative art gallery and exhibition roster, as well as expand new interpretative strategies for PEM’s historic houses.

Dr. Dibble received her doctorate and masters of philosophy in the history of art from Yale University, a masters in art history from Williams College, and completed her bachelors in art history from Hamilton College.