New Director on Board at Historical Society

The Rye Historical Society has announced the appointment of Ruth Herron Smalt as Executive Director effective April 16. A lifelong resident, Smalt has a Ph.D. in administration and a master's degree in education. She has held leadership positions in many Rye community organizations. An active member of Rye Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years, Smalt has spoken and led Christian camps and conferences around the country in the summers. She was Conference Director at Wainwright House from 1999 to 2003.

The society's current director, Kristina Bicher, will join the board of trustees to work on special projects. Bicher, who's been in the job for five years, said she's looking forward to serving out her board term. “I had been on the board for a year when I was asked to run the organization. It's a great, supportive board.” Bicher said she's pleased with the strong membership trends in the last three years and the increased number of events and educational programs the society offers. She noted the successful walking tours of Milltown, Greenhaven and Kirby Lane and the full schedule of talks and exhibits at the Knapp and Square Houses.

“So much of our mission is to promote curiosity of local history, to get people to wonder who lived here,” said Bicher.