By Board President Jeffrey W. Keefe
With the retirement of longtime Athenæum Keeper and Executive Director Tom Hardiman, we are looking ahead to effect a productive transition to new leadership. Appointing an Interim Director is our first major step toward this goal.
The Executive Committee has recommended Catherine Keene Fields to the board for the position of Interim Director. Cathy brings 43 years of experience as a director of small museums, most recently as the longtime director of the Litchfield Historical Society in Litchfield, CT, from which she retired in 2023. The full board will vote on Cathy’s appointment at the upcoming June 24 board meeting for a July start date.
Cathy holds an MA in Cultural History/Museum Administration from the University of Vermont and a BA in American History from the College of William and Mary. She began her museum career as the first professional Director of the Passaic County Historical Society in Paterson NJ. During her seven years in Paterson, she instituted professional practices for all operational areas, including budget, financial reporting, exhibitions, programs, public relations, fundraising and collections care.
Cathy then moved to the Litchfield Historical Society in Litchfield CT, where she served as Executive Director for 35 years, retiring in 2023. The Society is comprised of the Litchfield History Museum, the Tapping Reeve House, the Litchfield Law School, the Helga J. Ingraham Research Library, and the Tapping Reeve Meadow. The Society’s collections include over 20,000 objects, 850 linear feet of manuscripts, and 8,000 rare books. During her tenure at the Society, Cathy aligned collections management with nationally-accepted best practices; designed and realized strategic long-range plans that culminated in expansions of collections, exhibitions, buildings, and climate-controlled storage; secured over $10 million for capital and special projects; institutionalized a diverse program of fundraising; engaged Board, staff, volunteers, patrons, and constituent groups in organizational planning and advancement; and developed and delivered innovative, award-winning interpretation, exhibitions, publications, and programs.
Cathy has served on national, regional, state, and local committees and boards, including the American Alliance of Museums, the American Association for State and Local History, the New England Museum Association, the Connecticut Humanities Council, the Association for the Study of CT History, the Connecticut State Historical Records Advisory Board, and the Litchfield Preservation Trust.
Please give Tom your best wishes for a healthy and happy retirement, and together let’s look to the future as the Athenæum begins a new phase in its long, remarkable history!
Image: Courtesy photo.
