Cynthia Nugent Pinkston ’63

Cynthia Nugent Pinkston ’63, of McLean, Va.; July 21. As a diplomat’s wife, she traveled the world and was able to indulge her fascination with classical architecture and great works of art. She later would use her skills as an interior decorator, art historian, and archaeologist. Early on she was a docent and board member at the National Collection of Fine Arts and program chair at the Renwick Gallery. While living in Ecuador she worked with hearing-impaired and orphaned children and coordinated a U.S.-Ecuadorian cultural exchange program. During her time in Manila, she organized an annual Antiques & Artists Bazaar that raised donations for the local hospital, and while in Frankfurt, she was invited to join the docent group of the Stadel Art Museum. She developed an appreciation for distinct cuisines of the world and in 1978 enrolled in L’Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda. While pursuing her PhD at the University of Maryland, she lectured and led tours for the State Department, the National Gallery of Art, the National Academy of Sciences, and local universities. She established the first docent program at Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown. During her 15 years as docent, she introduced visitors to the historic property, gardens, and collections. She also served as an officer and member of the board of directors for the American Association of Museum Volunteers. She authored many articles, academic papers, and museum publications. Later, as a laboratory director for Boston University’s La Milpa Project in Belize, she organized the processing of more than 10,000 archaeological finds while supervising college students. In 1999, she received a grant to travel to Oaxaca, Mexico, to further her research into archaeologist Louis Ayme. She led teams to explore local caves and earned the nickname “Cindy-anna Jones” from her colleagues and “DangerMom” from her children. She instilled a sense of adventure and a love for travel in each of her children. She is survived by three children and two grandchildren.