Longtime East Hampton Historical Society Director Extends His Run

Photo by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com

EAST HAMPTON, NY: It’s good news for the East Hampton Historical Society — Executive Director Richard Barons has decided to stay on for two years.

Barons had originally announced plans to retire, the EHHS said.

“We are thrilled that Richard Barons has agreed to extend his tenure as the executive director of the East Hampton Historical Society. This will allow our growing organization to fully benefit from Richard’s exemplary curatorial expertise and historical knowledge”, said Arthur (Tiger) Graham, board president.

Barons’ recent decision, announced on Saturday, was received with unanimous approval by the EHHS board of trustees, who agreed that a two-year period would allow the necessary time to fully preserve and honor his wealth of knowledge as well as ensure a smooth transition of executive staff.

“Somehow, turning 70 in April and celebrating 10 years, this month, at the East Hampton Historical Society — the planets were all in alignment — why not retire?” Barons said initially. “There is that time when administration begins to dominate the workday and the research and writing you would like to do just gets shelved. But I was overwhelmed by how my news was received — genuine shock and disbelief. The more I thought about our decision— my wife is the Historical Society’s registrar — the more projects I felt I’d like to tackle or complete. With much gentle persuasion and discussion, my board offered me a two-year plan where I would focus on interpretation, collections and exhibitions, all of which are the reasons I love to work at museums. My wife and I will put off our ferry ride to Cape Cod for a while — it seems my work here is not done.”

The East Hampton Historical Society has also decided to conduct a search for an associate director. The initiation of this new position will both complement and support Barons. Job duties will include working in partnership with the executive director in a wide range of operational duties, including financial reporting, personnel management, fundraising, and stewardship of historic properties and museum sites.

Patch courtesy photo.