West Hartford's Noah Webster House Has New Leader

Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The centerpiece of town history and West Hartford's most historic site now has a new leader.

The board of trustees at the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society recently announced the hiring of Jeffrey J. Mainville as the organization’s new executive director, following the departure of longtime executive director Jennifer Matos.

As an arts and culture professional, Mainville has served in roles at a variety of regional museums and libraries for the past two decades.

Those include the Old New-Gate Prison Museum, The Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford Public Library and the New Britain Museum of American Art.

“We are excited to bring Jeff on board at The Noah Webster House, as we focus on continued progress and completion of a host of ambitious projects,” said Peter J. Rydel, chairman of the board of trustees. “Jeff brings a great deal of knowledge, experience and creativity to the role, and our entire team is committed to achieving our institutional goals.”

With extensive experience in museum programming and project management, Mainville has also worked in museum exhibitions and collections, education, development, visitor experience and non-profit administration.

He is passionate about American history, the arts and historic preservation.

“It’s truly an honor to be joining this team,” said Mainville. “Noah Webster is an American original, and the exploration of Webster’s life and extensive writings offers a wealth of exciting possibilities.

"As stewards of a National Historic Landmark property, we also serve the community as the West Hartford Historical Society, the repository of several centuries of local history. I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of this fantastic treasure.”

A lifelong Connecticut resident, Mainville attended Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic (B.A. English) and Trinity College in Hartford (M.A. American Studies).

He served as an adjunct instructor at Goodwin University in East Hartford from 2013-21, teaching United States history and English composition.

The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society is located in West Hartford that preserves the birthplace and childhood home of Noah Webster, an educator, author, political writer and lexicographer. Webster’s spelling publications and American Dictionary of the English Language (1828) are most well known.

The historic house, exhibit spaces and the West Hartford Gift Shop are open Monday to Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. and for special events. For more information on the museum’s school and public programs, visit www.noahwebsterhouse.org or call 860-521-5362.