South End Historical Society Gets New Director

As of this week, the South End Historical Society will have a new executive director.

Stacen Goldman has been named the new executive director, taking over for Hope Shannon, who has served the post for the last four years in the South End. 

Goldman got her start at the historical society as a volunteer while she completed her master's in public history at Northeastern.

"I've had a lot of time to learn about the South End Historical Society and learn about the neighborhood," she said. "But I still have a lot to learn."

Goldman said much of what Shannon has already put in place over the last four years will stay, but she hopes to increase engagement with the community and reach out to new demographics, like young families. 

"I have new ideas to really get us out there," said Goldman. "We want the community to know we're here for them and everything they want to know about the South End."

Shannon is leaving her position to pursue a Ph.D. in Public History at Loyola University in Chicago. She began work on a book about Legendary Locals in the South End, and says she'll continue to go forward with publishing it despite her move to Chicago. 

Shannon said what she'll miss most about leaving the South End position is the connections she's made with people over the years. 
"One of the most thrilling things is when you help a person answer a historical question that really means a lot to them," she said. "That's what I'll remember most, meeting people who have lived here, hearing them talk about living here, where they are now and what they remember, because it really helps put into perspective the neighborhood changes over the years," she said. 

If you worked with Shannon in the South End, you can wish her farewell at a goodbye event at the South End Historical Society (532 Mass. Ave) on Tuesday, July 30 from 6-8 p.m.