Cornwall Historical Society receives grant

CORNWALL » The Cornwall Historical Society (CHS) has been awarded a $3,210 grant by Connecticut Humanities to enable its Board of Directors to participate in a structured strategic planning exercise. Working with consultant Joan Baldwin of Lakeville CT, the board will devise a five-year plan (2018 to 2023).

The grant came about because CHS participated in the “Standards and Excellence Program for History Organizations (StEPs) over the past two years. Developed by the American Association for State and Local History and administered by the CT League of History Organizations, the program builds capacity and teaches best practices. The $3,210 award will allow CHS to capitalize on what was learned.

“We are excited at the prospect of this planning exercise,” said Lisa Lansing Simont, president of the

CHS board. “It will really focus us on how the historical society can best carry out its mission to interpret the past for the people of Cornwall and beyond.”

Joan Baldwin is curator of special collections at Hotchkiss School. She has more than 30 years experience working in museums and advising organizations on leadership development. Her work with the CHS board will take place between September and January 2018.

CT Humanities , a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, provides opportunities to explore the history, literature, and the vibrant culture that make our state, cities, and towns attractive places to live and work.