Normally Windsor Historical Society helps people explore the town’s diverse history. Last month they made a little of their own. On June 12, the Society’s Board of Directors elected four new members and a new slate of officers. The Board’s new president, Randy McKenney, is the Society’s first Black president in its 102-year history. Randy recognizes the symbolism of this milestone. “I’m thrilled to serve the Society in this role, especially with this great group of people at this time in our organization’s history,” he notes. “We’ve charted a significant new course over the past three years, and it’s important that the whole Windsor community sees Society leadership that represents them.”

McKenney is joined by Vice President Liz Burke, Secretary Daniel Crittenden, Treasurer Mark Walker and Assistant Treasurer Randy Graff. The Society’s four newest board members are Hilary Carpenter, Sarah Gilligan, Lance Hall, and David Pugliese, who join re-elected board members McKenney and Walter Stevenson as the Board class of 2023.

People of color now comprise 47% of Windsor Historical Society’s 17-person Board of Directors, which also includes two student representatives, according to Executive Director Doug Shipman. “We have worked hard over the past three years to become a more inclusive organization and more representative of the Windsor community in all aspects,” remarks Shipman “It’s a long-term process, and we still have much more work to do. Our goal is that all Windsor people see themselves reflected in their shared history here and experience the Society as a vital part of their community.”

Stepping down from the Board after many years of dedicated leadership are Kathy Carroll, Jim Welsh, John Berky, and Agnes Pier. John and Agnes have both served as Board President, overseeing many changes, including the campaign to restore and reinterpret the Strong-Howard House, an executive director transition, and the ongoing effort to build a more inclusive organization. Each outgoing Board member was recognized during a June 21 Board Member and Volunteer Appreciation Reception.

For more information or to see the Society’s strategic plan goals visit windsorhistoricalsociety.org, or contact the Society at: [email protected],  or 860-688-3813.

The Windsor Historical Society, founded in 1921, invites visitors to explore the people, places, and events that have shaped Windsor for over four centuries. The Society’s museum and research library is located at 96 Palisado Avenue (Route 159) and is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. General admission to the library and historic houses is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and free to children under 12 and WHS members. Visitors are free to browse the museum store and exhibit galleries at no charge, thanks to generous support of the Town of Windsor.

Visit us on the web at windsorhistoricalsociety.org for directions and more information about programs or volunteer opportunities. Want to know more about Windsor history? Just enter your email in the box at the bottom of our home page, and make sure to “like” the Society’s Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (@windsorct1633) for regular updates and insights.