July 23, 2026
Sherry D’Asto Peglow, the longest-tenured staff member at Newfields and a respected leader in museum registration, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Association of Midwest Museums (AMM) Distinguished Career Award, recognizing more than three decades of exceptional service, leadership, and mentorship in the museum field.
Unknown to Peglow, colleagues and former staff members spent months coordinating her nomination. Led by members of the Registration department, the effort included letters of support from seven former staff members who highlighted the lasting impact of her career on both Newfields and the broader museum profession.
Peglow began her career at Newfields on Valentine's Day in 1990, launching what has become a 36-year commitment to preserving and caring for works of art. Throughout her tenure, she has become widely recognized for her leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to museum best practices.
"Sherry leads by action and with a delightful sense of humor," one nominator wrote. "She never asks anyone to work harder than she does, nor would she ask them to perform any task that she wouldn't do herself."
Peglow's Impact: By the Numbers
36 Years of Service at Newfields
17 Years as an Exhibitions Registrar
522 Exhibitions Managed
87 + Registration Staff Members, Interns, and Volunteers Guided
Crossroads of American Sculpture, 2000, Photography Archives (PH001_B13F12). Newfields Archives.
As an exhibitions registrar for 17 years, Peglow managed 522 exhibitions while ensuring that artist intent remained central to every project. Her meticulous documentation and recordkeeping have established a lasting foundation for future generations of museum professionals. Colleagues also praised her creativity and innovative problem-solving, noting her ability to develop solutions to complex logistical challenges while maintaining the highest professional standards.
Her influence extends far beyond Newfields. Before digital photography became commonplace, Peglow created highly detailed, hand-drawn artwork condition reports that became renowned throughout the museum community. Those reports, along with the policies and procedures she developed, have accompanied artwork and couriers around the world, while the many registrars she has trained have carried her expertise to institutions across the globe.
Supporters emphasized that Peglow's greatest legacy may be the people she has mentored. During her career, she has guided more than 87 registration staff members, interns, and volunteers, investing personally in their professional development through hands-on instruction, thoughtful mentorship, and encouragement to pursue their individual career goals.
"Registration management is the backbone of any museum," a nomination letter stated. "Without the thoughtful attention and strategic care of loaned works and permanent collections, museums simply cannot function."
Known affectionately by colleagues as the "Gold Star Registrar," Peglow has built a reputation for integrity, attention to detail, and a philosophy of always striving to "leave it better than she found it." Her commitment to excellence, supporters say, has strengthened not only Newfields but also the museum profession as a whole.
The AMM Distinguished Career Award recognizes individuals whose sustained contributions have significantly advanced museums and the communities they serve. For those who nominated Peglow, the honor represents long-overdue recognition of a career defined by dedication to art, stewardship of collections, and service to others.
Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606–1669), Self-Portrait, about 1629, oil on oak panel, various dimensions. Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, The Clowes Collection, 2023.4.
While the award celebrates her accomplishments to date, her colleagues see it as far from the conclusion of her story.
"I know I am not alone in saying that I am thrilled to honor Sherry D’Asto Peglow and her unwavering dedication to art, to the museum, and to those around her through this Distinguished Career Award," one supporter wrote. "Even if she is receiving it at the midpoint in her career, I know the next 36 years will be even greater."
A career defined by dedication to art, stewardship of collections, and service to others
As LOVE at Newfields turns 50, Sherry D’Asto Peglow reflects on working with artist Robert Indiana during her 35-year career.
Image credits:
Header image: Tara Donovan (American, b. 1969), Untitled (Mylar) (detail), 2010, Mylar, hot glue, H: 13 ft. Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Commissioned by the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Frank Curtis Springer & Irving Moxley Springer Purchase Fund, Anonymous IV Art Fund, Deaccessioned Contemporary Art Fund, 2010.218A-D © Tara Donovan, Courtesy The Pace Gallery.
Image to the left of the "By the Numbers" box: Crossroads of American Sculpture, 2000, Photography Archives (PH001_B13F12). Newfields Archives.
