New Canaan Historical Society Executive Director Janet Lindstrom puts finishing touches on a costume exhibit.
The New Canaan Historical Society announced on Tuesday, Nov. 1, that Executive Director Janet Lindstrom will retire after 34 years of service.
“Telling the story of our town has been a great honor,” said Lindstrom. “I’ve played a special part of the Society’s 127-year continuum, preserving the history of this exceptional place and helping generations of people to explore what makes our community so special.”
A longtime resident of New Canaan, Lindstrom began her career at the Historical Society as a volunteer, and went on to join the Board of Governors in 1981. Lindstrom served as board president in 1983 until she was named executive director in 1985. Notable achievements during her tenure include the revival of the biennial Modern House Day tour and establishing the town’s beloved tradition: the Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social, held each year on the great lawn of the Historical Society.
Lindstrom was a crusader for preservation, and under her leadership, The Society was instrumental in protecting and preserving The Little Red School House on Carter Street as well as the Gores Pavilion in Irwin Park.
A Penn State graduate with a master’s degree from Columbia, Lindstrom taught at several New Canaan schools and was named ‘Woman of the Year’ by the New Canaan branch of the American Association of University Women in 2004.
“Janet has been a superb director,” said Mark Markiewicz, board president. “Her dedication and a highly disciplined approach to a very complex organization is truly inspiring. The exhibits, programs, lectures and events developed under her leadership have provided each one of us with an especial appreciation of New Canaan.”
A search committee has been formed and a new executive director is expected to be named in the coming months. Lindstrom has agreed to stay on with the Historical Society as executive director emeritus through 2018 to ensure a smooth transition for her successor.
An open house to honor Lindstrom’s service will be held in early 2017 at the Historical Society, at 13 Oenoke Ridge. For upcoming details visit nchistory.org or call 203-966-1776.
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