Tarahteeff named director of Horne Museum

The Marilyn Horne Museum & Exhibit Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford announces the appointment of Taylor Tarahteeff as its new director, effective Monday. Tarahteeff succeeds Matthew Hileman in leading the museum’s mission to preserve, celebrate, and share the legacy of internationally acclaimed opera singer Marilyn Horne.

Tarahteeff brings a unique blend of artistic design, community engagement, and passion to the role. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary arts, with concentrations in graphic design and creative writing, from Pitt Bradford in 2020. 

Since 2018, he has been involved with the museum, working part time as a student ambassador during academic terms and full-time as a temporary staff member upon graduating. During this period, he welcomed hundreds of visitors, developed strong ties with the Bradford community, and became known for his creative flair and attention to detail in museum presentations and public relations.

“Returning to the Marilyn Horne Museum feels like coming home,” he said. “I’ve been part of this space for years, and now, as director, I’m excited to help guide it into a new chapter while honoring the legacy that has always inspired me.”

In addition to his employment, Tarahteeff completed a design internship at the museum, where he collaborated on exhibit design and created imagery used in museum branding and products. This experience further strengthened his connection to the museum’s mission and deepened his understanding of its artistic direction.

In his current professional role, Tarahteeff serves as human resources specialist at Pitt Bradford, where he applies his design sensibilities and problem solving skills to help recruit and maintain staff. 

As director, he plans to expand outreach, enhance visitor experience through design and interactive exhibits, strengthen partnerships within the community and preserve the museum’s collections of costumes, recordings, artifacts, and multimedia related to Horne’s storied career.

Founded in 2017, the Marilyn Horne Museum & Exhibit Center occupies a circa 1931 Art Deco building in downtown Bradford owned by Pitt-Bradford. The 3,400 square foot facility features 19 interactive exhibits, vintage costumes, recordings, and audiovisual. Admission to the museum is free.

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