Karen Bailey, the Granville Historical Society’s new (and first) director.
When a community of interested people work deliberately towards a goal, exciting things can happen! For the last two years, the Annual Fund, under the leadership of the Granville Historical Society Board of Managers, set a priority goal. It is time, you will remember hearing, to find a steady hand to lead us into the future. It is time for a director.
This goal is met. The Board of Managers is delighted to announce that Karen Bailey, an educator and historic preservationist, will become the Society’s first director. Her part-time position begins soon, and you will meet her in person at our annual meeting in November, if not before.
“We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the Granville Historical Society and know that herpassion and enthusiasm will be a tremendous source of inspiration to all who meet her,” President Heidi Drake said. “She is a great addition to our organization and the Granville Community.”
Karen has been drawn to many areas of the country as an educator and in pursuit of preserving historic buildings. Four years ago, she moved to Granville to enjoy the benefits of being a grandmother. Karen quickly became involved in the community and served two years on the Village Planning Commission.
Recently, she found a 19th-century home in Hebron and has been busy bringing it back to life. “When the 1830 Thomas Cully house came on the market in Hebron, I bought it because it reminded me of the building in Tennessee that I bought and restored — neglected and in need of work, but with great character,” she said. “I joined the Hebron Historic Society and have been researching getting it on the National Register of Historic Places.”
“Growing up in the planned town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where education was a top priority, I thought all towns were planned to support beautiful, healthy communities where new people were welcome and the legacy and history was kept alive and honored,” she said. “I learned, of course, as I lived in other parts of the country that this was not the case, so moving to Granville four years ago was like coming home. I am very excited to be the first director of the Granville Historical Society as it allows me to put down roots, meet people and contribute to this thriving community.”
The search for the Society’s first-ever director began in the spring when a committee of the board formed to write a job description and identify candidates. This process could only have begun because the Annual Fund not only exceeded its financial goals with increased participation from members and friends, but one person saw the need deeply and stepped up to be the lead donor. Louise Cort has been recognized in earlier news to members as that person and her generosity gave the Board the confidence to plan for this position.
“We believe Karen’s work will bring our Society into the modern era with financial planning and opportunities for continued funding,” Drake said. “It’s always a big step to support a director for a non-profit organization, but it’s time to step up and we have done that.”
The Historical Society position was attractive to Karen and motivated her to apply. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect to the community here in Granville, which I fell in love with when I moved here. There’s such a rich history.”
“If there is one thing I want people to know about me, it is my profound gratitude to be here,” she added. “Granville is a special place, and I am looking forward to many magical memories.”
You can contact Karen at directorofghs@gmail.com with any thoughts, questions, concerns, or words of welcome.
