This summer, the Farnsworth Forum brings distinguished guest Philippe de Montebello to Rockland for an engaging conversation about the role of museums in America and the world. Mr. de Montebello, the first-ever Director Emeritus of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, was the longest-tenured director of any major art museum in our time. Recognized throughout the world as one of the field’s most influential and articulate champions of integrity, authority, education and public access, this revered dean of American museum directors retired in December, 2008 after 32 years as the longest-serving director in the Met’s nearly 140-year history. In fall 2008, the curators of the Met honored Mr. de Montebello’s tenure by mounting an unprecedented tribute exhibition of some 300 major works that entered the collections under his leadership, entitled The Philippe de Montebello Years: Curators Celebrate Three Decades of Acquisitions. Also in 2008, Philippe de Montebello became the first scholar in residence at the Prado Museum in Madrid and joined the Board of Trustees of the Musee d’Orsay in Paris. Director of Education Roger Dell will interview Mr. de Montebello on stage at The Strand Theatre, and there will be a question and answer period following the conversation.