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 - Sam Turco
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.
Art Committee
Chair - Open
Curates and manages art exhibitions, acquiring artworks, and organizing events that highlight the associations's history and cultural heritage through visual arts.
Audit Committee
Chairwoman - Martha Shean
Conducts a quarterly review of Association financial accounts and transactions; prepares an Annual Report for the Board.
Budget Committee
Chairwoman - Linda Rawlings
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
Chairwoman - 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 - Brian Gartland
Oversees fund raising campaigns to augment the Association’s operating budget that includes the Calendar and Annual Appeal.
Genealogy Committee
Chairwoman - Lynne Pelletier
Identifies ancestors by tracing family lines of descent. Uses data found on-line and in various publications.
Governance Committee
Peter Hainley, Fred Grant, Beth Faricy, DJ Osier, Vice President
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 - Ron Lapierre
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
Chair - Jody Lamoureux
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
Chair - Open
Creates, procures, distributes, and sells Association merchandise, including the Annual Calendar
Newsletter Committee
Chairwoman - Lynne Pelletier
Creates, manages, and distributes newsletters. Tasks include planning content, writing and editing articles, designing the layout, and coordinating with other teams for contributions.
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
Chair - Open
Plans, schedules, and executes programs for regular meetings, monthly historic nights, historic tours, and outreach programs.
Publicity Committee
Chairwoman - Julie Tilley
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.
Sunshine Committee
Chairwoman - Martha Shean
Promotes a positive and supportive atmosphere within an organization by organizing events, sending cards, or acknowledging milestones and personal achievements, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or recoveries.