Since 2007, the Newport Historical has grown significantly in size and impact. Numerous changes have taken place: the restoration of the Great Friends Meeting House and the Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House, the development of the Brick Market Museum Shop to support revenue, the Newport Antiques Show, digital initiatives such as the online database Gladys and the app Explore Historic Newport, and many other achievements.
NHS Executive Director Ruth Taylor
Executive Director Ruth Taylor, who led the NHS during this period, has just accepted a five-year contract renewal, ensuring continuity at the NHS through 2019. “I’m looking forward to working with the Board to build upon, and solidify, the work we’ve begun,” she explains.
Additionally the Society has promoted Ingrid Peters to the position of Associate Director. Formerly the Director of Education, Ingrid’s work at the Historical Society has included overseeing the Buchanan/Burnham internship program, which has helped to launch the careers of many young museum professionals, building the Society’s seasonal lectures, and leading the successful tour program, including the Newport History Tours partnership. As Associate Director, Ingrid will support the Society’s overall operations by managing staff and furthering its many growing endeavors.
Associate Director Ingrid Peters
“This is great news,” commented the Society’s board president Thomas Goddard. “Ruth is a dedicated professional who is greatly respected among her peers for her vision, energy, and dedication to her field. She has been responsible for the many strategic changes undertaken by the Society since 2007 and, on behalf of the Society’s Board of Directors, I can say we take great pleasure in knowing that Ruth will be leading the Society’s growth for at least the next five years.
“Of equal importance to the growth and future of the Society is Ingrid Peters’ promotion to Associate Director. I can’t think of a better team to lead our efforts to expand programming and outreach to ensure that Newport’s important early history is made more accessible and better known.”