NORWICH – Meghan Molloy and Sarah Mahan have been named curator and educator for the Chenango County Historical Society, according to Director Alan Estus, as the society prepares to unveil its new research center this fall and continues to make improvements at the adjacent Museum at 45 Rexford Street.
Molloy, who graduated from SUNY Purchase with a bachelor’s degree in art history and the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University with a master’s degree in library science and archives and records management, began working at the museum in mid-June. She said she’s excited to provide new informational access to museum visitors, as well as updating the exhibits offered there.
“This is going to be a major facelift for the entire museum, all in the same vein as the new (Norwich) Pharmacal exhibit,” she added.
Mahan, who has bachelor’s degrees in both science zoology and arts and studio arts from SUNY Oswego and Connecticut State University, said she’s “really looking forward to furthering the museum’s educational programs” and “making them more accessible” to the public.
With her background in art, Mahan said she’ll be working on the museum’s visual appeal.
The duo’s first project will involve the renovation of the museum’s entryway and hallway. Both are hoping a new exhibit – featuring the various business districts of Chenango County, now and then – will attract attention to the many changes they’re envisioning for the museum.
Estus said the pair will collaborate on both exhibit design and future program development. With area schools under enormous financial pressure, he added, the hope is to provide a niche for students and educators, developing educational programs that can be used to the advantage of both.
“Part of our mission statement, after all,” said Estus, “is education.”