October will be an exciting month for Windsor Historical Society as Executive Director Doug Shipman passes the baton to new Executive Director Carrie Taylor. “We knew we had big shoes to fill with Doug’s retirement,” said search committee co-chair Liz Burke, “and we are just thrilled to have been able to attract someone with the museum experience and commitment to inclusion that Carrie brings to the position!”

Shipman, who announced his retirement plans over a year ago, joined the Society in February 2020. During his tenure he has guided the organization through the pandemic, the Society’s centennial celebration, and an effort to transform the Society into a more inclusive organization with programs, exhibits, and leadership that represent and engage the diversity of the Windsor community.

“With our great Board, staff, volunteers, and partners we’ve accomplished a lot over the past few years,” notes Shipman. “And while we still have much work to do, I believe that more and more people from across the community see that their stories and experiences are included as a vital part of Windsor’s history.”

A farewell event is planned for Shipman on Friday, September 27 from 5 to 7 p.m., at Dudleytown Brewing Company, 1001 Day Hill Rd, Windsor, and the public is welcome.

Carrie Taylor will begin her role on September 30, bringing extensive experience in museum leadership, innovative and inclusive programming, and community engagement. Taylor holds an MA in history and currently serves as director of Preserve Rhode Island’s Lippitt House Museum in Providence, where she is responsible for all aspects of the museum’s operations. She has also served as collections manager at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation’s Monticello and held curatorial roles at the Atlanta History Center. Carrie shares that she’s “very excited to join Windsor Historical Society and build on its strong track record of inclusion and look forward to becoming an active part of the Windsor community!”

Carrie and Doug will have the benefit of several days of overlap to transition responsibilities before Shipman’s retirement, during which time Taylor will get to know both the museum and the town of Windsor. Search committee co-chair Kaleitha Brown notes, “We are super excited to introduce Carrie to our wonderful town and will make sure there are lots of opportunities for her to meet, greet, and engage with her new Windsor family in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!”

“I want to congratulate Liz, Kaleitha, and the whole search committee on such an effective and successful recruitment effort,” says Society President Randy McKenney. “We were committed to bringing on a person worthy of this role and of the community’s expectations, and we are so pleased that Carrie has accepted our offer to lead the organization.”

The search committee’s effort was facilitated by the Arts Consulting Group, Inc., and funded by a generous grant from the Nonprofit Support Program at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.