Dear Friends,
We’re thrilled to be able to share some exciting news! The Stonington Historical Society has changed its name, and beginning December 1, 2023, we will be officially known as Historic Stonington. We felt that the term “Society” seemed outdated and exclusive. This new name is meant to align with our mission to be a welcoming organization that recognizes that the history we celebrate touches the lives of the entire community. We’re rolling out this new logo and a fresh tagline – “Preserving Places, Sharing Stories, Inspiring Minds”. Our commitment to interpreting and honoring the history of Stonington remains unchanged. Work will continue in education, programs, and preservation. New exhibits will tell the stories of transportation, the China Trade, and interpretive signage will soon offer a self-guided tour of Stonington Borough. We continue the work to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the history of all of Stonington in all that we do.
This effort traces to several recent efforts to reevaluate our mission. In 2017, we devised a detailed strategic plan. The plan surfaced several critical goals, including inclusivity, expanding our audience and participation, and financial stability. We later launched a Museum Assessment Project, guided by the American Alliance of Museums, that focused on audiences and community engagement. This effort, too, affirmed the need to be more inclusive and representative as we share local stories and we are actively tracking metrics for programs, visitation, and impact.
And then finally, we received a generous grant for rebranding. We gathered a group of engaged board and community members to explore our identity and mission and the Board’s decision was unanimous. We are excited about the new name – and a reaffirmation of our values. We realize it may take some time for all of us to get used to this new name, but it feels right.
So now we are Historic Stonington, preserving, sharing, and inspiring our community in the 21st century. We hope you will join us in this work.
With great anticipation for the new year, new projects, and new friends!
Elizabeth Wood
Executive Director, Historic Stonington
