The board of trustees of the Historical Society of Cheshire County has chosen Jennifer “Jenna” Carroll, to succeed Alan F. Rumrill as executive director when he retires from the position in October 2024.
After a national search, the organization chose to hire a candidate from within, as Carroll has been the director of education at the society for more than 10 years. She has been in the field of museum management for 28 years.
“The search committee is confident that Jenna Carroll brings known strength, professionalism, and a commitment to the Historical Society of Cheshire County,” stated Dominic Perkins, former president of the board. “She has been a strong candidate from the beginning — being an executive director for two other organizations in the past, being committed to museum and historical societies throughout her career and holding a master’s degree in historical administration (not to mention also being a leader within the Historical Society of Cheshire County for several years now).”
Historical Society’s President Kelly Budd stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Jenna as our new executive director. Her extensive experience, proven leadership skills and deep passion for history make her the perfect fit for our organization. Jenna’s vision will propel our society forward, ensuring continued growth and relevance. She recognizes the significance of serving our community and ensuring everyone has a voice in shaping our shared history.”
Rumrill stated, “Jenna’s background, experience, knowledge of the historical society and understanding of Cheshire County history make her the ideal choice to continue the valuable work that the society has carried out for almost a century. I am delighted with the board’s decision to fill the position with a highly qualified candidate who is already a valued asset of the organization.”
Carroll’s experience has included executive director roles at the American Clock and Watch Museum and the Laconia Historical and Museum Society. She has also worked at Canterbury Shaker Village, the Saco Museum and the Sandwich NH Historical Society.
She is co-owner of the Keene International Market, co-chair of Keene State College’s Little Sister Fund and director of the Monadnock Historical Societies Forum. She has been involved with the Keene International Festival, Project Home and the City of Keene’s Human Rights Committee. She was recently honored at Keene State College as one of the recipients of the President’s Outstanding Women of New Hampshire Award.
“I’m grateful for the trust that has been placed in me by the board of trustees and the staff and volunteers,” she stated. “I know that filling Alan Rumrill’s shoes is no simple task. I’m encouraged by the fact that, for almost 100 years, the Historical Society of Cheshire County has been a cultural hub connecting people to the past and to each other. I will endeavor to continue the society’s positive trend of remaining financially stable and a viable part of the culture of southwest New Hampshire. I am confident that by analyzing current museum trends along with the local community’s needs, we can shape the future goals of the organization.”