William R. Cross

Author, “Winslow Homer: American Passage," and of the life of Louis Comfort Tiffany, that Farrar, Straus & Giroux will publish in Spring 2026.

William R. Cross is an accomplished author and principal at Cross Museum Consultancy, where he specializes in serving art and history museums. He has been in this role since May 2017 and is based in the Greater Boston area.2

Background and Education

Cross is a graduate of Yale College, where he earned his degree magna cum laude, and he holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. His career has spanned various roles in the non-profit and for-profit sectors, particularly focusing on the visual arts and cultural heritage.1 2

Notable Works and Contributions

He is the author of the biography Winslow Homer: American Passage, published in 2022 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux. This work explores the life and artistic journey of Winslow Homer, a significant figure in American art history. Cross is also working on a biography of Louis Comfort Tiffany, which is set to be published in Spring 2026.1 2 4

In addition to his writing, Cross served as the curator for the exhibition Homer at the Beach: A Marine Painter’s Journey, 1869-1880, held at the Cape Ann Museum in 2019. This exhibition was well-received and highlighted the development of Homer as a marine painter, involving contributions from numerous prestigious art collections.1 2 4

Leadership Roles

Cross is the chairman of the advisory board for the Yale Center for Faith and Culture, where he leads efforts to expand its philanthropic base. His extensive experience includes consulting for various museums, focusing on strategic planning and operational objectives.1 2 3

Overall, William R. Cross is recognized for his deep engagement with American art history and his commitment to enhancing the operational and curatorial practices of museums.