Page 11 - 2019 Annual Report Community Foundation

Making History Modern
Groton History Center reaches new supporters by putting a modern twist on history
How can we make history more relevant and appealing to modern audiences?
This is a question that the Groton History Center is working to answer—and they’ve come up with some impressive solutions.
The center, which promotes the history of Groton, Massachusetts, has received widespread attention in town after implementing some recent changes.
As Board President Bobbie Spiegelman explains, “Our historical society was previously seen as an exclusive organization in which many people did not feel welcome. We’ve been trying to reach
a broader audience by being more modern and welcoming.”
One strategy the center uses is making connections between its resources and current events. For example, when there was talk of impeaching the President in 2017, the center took the opportunity to educate people about the impeachment of Andrew Johnson in 1886, which was organized by Massachusetts Representative George Boutwell, who built the house the center now calls home.
The center also hosts popular educational and re-enactment events, offers a virtual tour of historic sites in Groton, welcomes student interns, and created a backyard park that features both native
and pollinator plants.
“The programs attract more people than just steadfast history lovers,” says Michelle Collette, Board Treasurer. “Our recent event on the history of enslavement of native people during the Massachusetts colonial period was standing room only.”
Amidst their growth, the center established a fund with the Community Foundation in spring 2019. The fund will help ensure the center’s continued development and innovative programming.
“We were so pleased to join the Community Foundation. They align well with our philosophy of re-investing in the community,” says Collette. “They have also been a good resource. They answer any type of questions we have and give us great guidance.”
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