SPNEA Welcomes its New President

ABOVE Meet SPNEA's new president, Carl R. Nold.

From collecting postcards of New England historic sites during childhood family travels to serving on the board of directors of the world's largest museum organization, Carl R. Nold has a lifelong commitment to historic sites and museums. Now he brings his enthusiasm and experience to SPNEA as its president, becoming the sixth person to lead the organization since its founding in 1910.

Since his arrival in May, Carl has engaged in a whirlwind of activities, visiting SPNEA properties, leading planning sessions with staff, and meeting with SPNEA friends in many fields. His energy and enthusiasm about SPNEA affect all who meet him, and he is already a visible advocate for preserving New England material culture and bringing the past to life for visitors.

A graduate of St. John's University and the Cooperstown Graduate Program in History Museum Studies, Carl's interest in heritage preservation and interpretation grew out of studies in history and secondary education. He sees familiar buildings and artifacts as inviting gateways to understanding the past.

Carl brings twenty-five years of museum experience to his new position, most recently serving for eleven years as director of Mackinac State Historic Parks in Michigan, where he supervised programs, oversaw more than a hundred buildings and 2,400 acres of park land, and was responsible for the restoration or renovation of virtually every facility in the system. His work involved historic preservation and land protection, support of research and publications, development of statewide education programs, and creating memorable experiences for museum visitors. One of his goals for SPNEA is to enhance its visibility as a key contributor to New England education, tourism, economic health, and quality of life.

Widely respected in the museum profession, Carl began a three-year term as a board member for the American Association of Museums in May. He has served as an advisor to the American Association for State and Local History and received an award from the Michigan Museums Association for work in cultural tourism development. Previously, he was director of The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg; director/curator of Gadsby's Tavern Museum in Alexandria, Virginia; and on the staff at the New York State Historical Association and Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown.

From the CHAIR
I am very pleased to announce the arrival of our new president, Carl R. Nold, who was selected for his outstanding leadership abilities following an extensive national search. Please join me in welcoming him to SPNEA.

This summer SPNEA opens two major shows that will reach audiences across the country. In this issue of Historic New England, SPNEA's Curator Nancy Carlisle introduces some of the pieces that will appear in Cherished Possessions: A New England Legacy. Featuring about two hundred objects from the collection, the exhibition uses the stories associated with them as entry points into New England history, from the earliest colonial times, through the American Revolution, the early nation, and the abolitionist movement, to antiquarianism and modernism.

In North Adams, Massachusetts, SPNEA and MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) commissioned nine internationally renowned artists to explore SPNEA's collections and create new works around some of SPNEA's historic artifacts. The results are simply spectacular. Yankee Remix is an adventurous show and a novel way to introduce SPNEA to new audiences.

Last but not least, I am happy to report that the American Association of Museums has continued accreditation of SPNEA, following a rigorous review process, and certified that the institution is operating "according to the highest and most current professional standards."

- Janina Longtine, M.D.

Personal tools

SPNEA Welcomes its New President

Support Historic New England

Historic Sites for Special Events

Shop Historic New England

Find Us on the Web