The Old Stone Fort Museum and Schoharie County Historical Society Board of Trustees has announced the selection of Melinda McTaggart as the new business manager and museum director.
Ms. McTaggart officially took the helm of the museum on October 7th, filling a position which was vacated by the retirement of long-time director Carle Kopecky in November of 2018 and filled by temporary acting director and museum curator Daniel Beams through the first part of 2019.
“For more than two years, McTaggart has demonstrated her ability to advance the mission and goals of the historical society and museum through her role as Educational Outreach Director, achieving new and diverse programming, successful grant development and collaborative relationships with fellow Schoharie County departments, community organizations and local businesses,” an announcement sent to the press said.
McTaggart said she hopes to expand the scope and range of museum programming, events and educational outreach to tell the lesser-known and untold stories of Schoharie County’s history and to introduce those stories to new and returning audiences.
Schoharie County Historical Society Board of Trustees President Michael West said he is confident McTaggart is the right person to move the museum and historical society forward and has already proven her effectiveness through her previous work with the organization.
Schoharie County Board of Supervisors Chairman Earl VanWormer said was hopeful about the future of the Old Stone Fort Museum and Schoharie County Historical Society under her leadership.
McTaggart received a BA in International Studies from West Virginia University and a MS in Secondary Education, with a concentration in Social Studies, from SUNY Oneonta. She has taught at various institutions, including the New York State Department of Corrections, State Universities of New York at Oneonta and Cobleskill and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Her community involvement includes volunteer work on the boards of Hero Fund America, the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce, the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, for which she serves as secretary, and the Museum Association of New York (MANY) Conference Planning Committee.
The Schoharie County Historical Society is in its 130th year at the Old Stone Fort Museum Complex, publishing the semi-annual Historical Review of county history, and organizing lectures and historical events such as Stone Fort Days and the History Fair.
More information about the society, membership and volunteer opportunities is available by calling (518) 295-7192 or visiting TheOldStoneFort.org.
Photo of Melinda McTaggart stands outside the Old Stone Fort Museum provided.
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