Our Volunteers
Opportunities to volunteer abound. We organize our volunteers into functional committees that work independently under the guidance of a team leader. Committee chairpersons represent the teams on the Board of Directors.
Teams work at mutually convenient times. Since many of us are retired, most teams work during weekdays and weeknights. However, several teams do work on weekends or at their convenience from home.
Archive Committee
Chairman - Al Menard
Acquires, catalogues, stores, and displays historic documents, relics, and other relevant information in accordance with standard and accepted archival practices. Creates and stores a digital record of all Association collections and information. Curates focused exhibits. Digitizes collection materials for remote access via the internet.
Audit Committee
Chairwoman - Linda Rawlings
Conducts a quarterly review of Association financial accounts and transactions; prepares an
Annual Report for the Board
Budget Committee
Chairwoman - Beth Faricy
Prepares and presents at the Annual Meeting a budget for the coming year, including anticipated revenues and expenses; provides a quarterly report to the Board in March, June, September, and December each year that includes the balances for each budget item
Cemetery Committee
Chairman - Kim Walker
Oversees the restoration and maintenance of all abandoned historic cemeteries in the town;
recruits volunteers and organizes volunteer activities; procures and maintains equipment and supplies; and coordinates Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Commission to update databases.
Development Committee
Chair -
Oversees fund raising campaigns to augment the Association’s operating budget that includes the Calendar and Annual Appeal.
Education Committee
Chairwoman - Jeanne Marion
Coordinates research and activities with the local schools; works with the Programs Committee
to promote awareness of local culture and history.
Genealogy Committee
Chairwoman Lynne Pelletier
Identifies ancestors by tracing family lines of descent. Uses data found on-line and in
various publications.
Governance Committee
Chairwoman - Fred Grant
Reviews the governance structures, documents, and practices of the Association and reports its findings and recommendations to the Executive Board; educates and assists Board members and committee members to ensure effective decision-making and continuity within the Association; develops recommended governance policies and documents as may be necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the Association; serves as the Nominating Committee.
Grant Committee
Chairwoman - Beth Faricy
Seeks out and prepares all applications for grants to support the Association’s efforts to carry out its mission; files progress reports to the grantors as required.
Housekeeping Committee
Chairwoman - Christine Dubois
Ensures all association buildings are kept clean and seasonally decorated
Information Technology Committee
Chairman - Fred Grant
Procures and maintains all Association information technology equipment and software, as well as all media equipment; manages and maintains the technical aspects of all online accounts, including social media and websites; maintains Association information security and backup files for all digital information.
Maintenance Committee
Chairman - Charlie Dubois
Maintains all buildings and grounds under the supervision of the Association; preserves the integrity of exterior building envelopes and repairs, as needed; maintains the operational efficiency of building systems through regular service and repair; coordinates with vendors for necessary deliveries and repairs; and coordinates ground maintenance and snow removal.
Membership Committee
Chairwoman - Martha Shean
Promotes and procures membership in the Association through various means, including social media, at public events, and Association activities; maintains the membership rolls of the Association; works with members to procure dues renewal.
Merchandise Committee
Chairwoman - Kim Leahy
Creates, procures, distributes, and sells Association merchandise, including the Annual Calendar
Preservation and Restoration Committee
Chairman - Jeff Harris
Promotes preservation of artifacts, buildings and locations of historical, cultural, or natural value; plans and oversees restoration of properties owned or leased by the Association.
Program and Hospitality Committee
Chairwoman - Freya Hainley
Plans, schedules, and executes programs for regular meetings, monthly historic nights, historic tours, and outreach programs.
Publicity Committee
Chairman - Ron Lapierre
Markets and promotes the Association, as well as its products, activities, and programs,
by creating and distributing press releases, flyers, banners, advertisements, and social
media posts; maintains and monitors the information and messages that are posted on
the NSHA Facebook page and website.
Rental Committee
Chairwoman - Jeanne Marion
Manages the rental of Association property; promotes rental opportunities via all forms of advertisement, including signs, brochures, and social media; updates Association calendar with scheduled rentals; receives all rental payments; ensures the readiness and cleanliness of all Association rental property and equipment; coordinates with Maintenance Director for repairs; and purchases supplies.
Research Committee
Chairman Larry Smith
Conducts all manner of research related to local history and culture. Locates and documents indigenous and colonial era stone features.