New Canaan Historical Society officials announced Tuesday that the Oenoke Ridge Road facility’s first new executive director in 34 years is a Harvard Law School graduate and former assistant attorney general in Massachusetts who has authored four novels and volunteered to support multiple local organizations.
The New Canaan Historical Society announced the selection of Nancy Geary as its new executive director. Contributed
Nancy Geary will succeed town resident Janet Lindstrom in the role. Lindstrom’s retirement was announced in October.
Mark Markiewicz, president of the Historical Society’s Board of Governors, said in a press release that the organization is “very pleased to announce this appointment” following an extensive search.
“Nancy will bring leadership and creativity to the Society’s exhibitions and programming, as well as a deep sense of commitment to the organization,” he said. “She has served numerous nonprofits in our area, is an accomplished attorney and has a track record of intellect, balance and reliability. With Nancy at the helm, we look forward to the continuity of celebrating New Canaan’s remarkable heritage.”
The new director has worked for nearly 20 years on a wide range of legal matters on behalf of corporations, partnerships, charitable organizations and individuals, the press release said.
“I am thrilled to serve as executive director,” she said in the press release. “The Historical Society plays an invaluable role in preserving New Canaan’s rich past, and in increasing our understanding of the larger context for local history. I am especially eager to hear from the community how I can best facilitate its access to and interest in this wonderful organization.”
As an assistant attorney general, Geary briefed and argued appeals in the Supreme Judicial Court and Massachusetts Court of Appeals, the press release said. She has written four novels—“Misfortune” (2001), “Redemption” (2003), “Regrets Only” (2004) and “Being Mrs. Alcott” (2005)—and three times earned the Westchester Library Association’s Washington Irving Book Selection Award for adult fiction. She has served as Board Member for Horizons, warden for St. Francis Episcopal Church, and has served on multiple committees for King School and New Canaan Country School.