May 30, 2015
Beswick Takes The Reins At World AIDS Museum
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
The World AIDS Museum and Educational Center has hired Hugh G. Beswick its Chief Executive Officer according to a press release from the entity.
"Hugh brings years of management, human resources Leadership, investment strategy and fundraising expertise to the museum at this very important time," said WAM Board President Jason King.
Beswick's hiring marks the first official designation for the WAM. Beswick, along with founder Steve Stagen and Operations Manager Edward Sparan were integral parts of the installation process for the Museum's new home in Wilton Manors.
Located at 1201 NE 26 Street, Suite 111, the museum grew out of an idea by the Fort Lauderdale based group of HIV positive individuals who call themselves "Pozitive Attitudes."
Beswick spoke to SFGN last year for a profile in our Spirit issue. Here is an excerpt from that article:
Hugh Beswick is on a mission.
Given a second chance after having his life shattered by AIDS, Beswick is focused on opening the World AIDS Museum in Wilton Manors. He currently serves as the museum's chairman of the board and is busy planning for next year's grand opening.
"Part of the story with this museum is showing why this can't happen again," said Beswick, citing statistics showing 25 million people worldwide have died from the disease since it was first recorded in the early 1980s.
Diagnosed with AIDS in 2003, Beswick was near death, wheelchair bound and sick for years. He has since made a dramatic recovery and lives a healthy lifestyle in South Florida. The 61-year-old Pittsburgh native said his brush with death moved him to educate the masses about HIV/AIDS. The museum, scheduled to open in late February inside Wilton Station, is the perfect vehicle to fight stigma.
"I am very fortunate to have survived," Beswick said. "I certainly have a new outlook on life and I'm going to do something with it."
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
