Weston Historical Society Names New Exec Director

WESTON, CT — The Weston Historical Society announced today that its Board of Trustees have named Samantha Kulish-Fargione as executive director.

"We are excited to have someone with Samantha's depth of professional experience to lead the Weston Historical Society," said Pam Kersey, president of the Weston Historical Society, in a news release. "We are confident Samantha will continue our tradition of preserving Weston's unique heritage and manage several high-profile projects, including the Coley Barn restoration. We also look forward to utilizing her strong education and programming background as we develop our programs."

Kulish-Fargione has been working in the field of education and program coordination for close to 15 years at non-profit organizations throughout Fairfield County. For the past 11 years, she was the early childhood theater director for Norwalk's youth performing arts center, Crystal Theatre, where she developed new educational programming for preschool and elementary school students as well as directed over 100 full-scale musical productions for the theater's middle and high school performance groups.

Currently, and for the past 11 years, Kulish-Fargione has been the part-time program and educational coordinator for the Norwalk Historical Society, where she has developed and expanded their educational programming for schools as well as their adult programming.

Kulish-Fargione is most proud of her work in revitalizing the Society's 40-year-old program for third-graders, The Little Red Schoolhouse Program, which is now attended by every third-grade class in Norwalk. Nine years ago, she spearheaded the Society’s largest fundraising program, A Haunting at Mill Hill, which brings in well over 500 people from the tri-state area. Kulish-Fargione is experienced in media relations and marketing and has expanded the Society’s presence in print and social media.

Kulish-Fargione has a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and communication and theater arts from Western Connecticut State University. She has written the book to two musicals: "Coming of Age" and "Prohibition, Norwalk: 1925."

"I am excited to assist the Weston Historical Society’s exceptional board in furthering the Society’s mission to discover, collect, preserve, and make Weston history come alive for the community. The Weston Historical Society is a gem and a treasure trove of history, culture and community spirit. I look forward to building upon the Society’s vision and working with them to make the Weston Historical Society a center of learning and discovery for the larger community," Kulish-Fargione said.