The Historical Society of Princeton has a new executive director.
Sarah Taggart, a native of the Garden State, comes to the Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) from the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, where she served in various positions – including curator and executive director – over the past 12 years, according to a press release through HSP.
Taggart joined HSP late this summer after an extensive retained search following the 15-year tenure of Isabel (Izzy) Kasdin.
“We are very excited and fortunate to welcome Sarah to the HSP family as we continue the work and community partnership built by our outstanding longtime Executive Director, Izzy Kasdin,” said Paul Pessuitti, president of the Society’s board of trustees.
“The pandemic, while challenging for all non-profits, gave us the opportunity to reimagine and create new and additive virtual programming to complement the rich physical experiences we have always provided at HSP, something Taggart will continue to expand.”
Taggart, with degrees from Mercyhurst University, The University of the Arts, and Rutgers University, she has worked with museums and cultural organizations across the Philadelphia region. She will oversee all of HSP’s operations and will guide the organization through its future chapters of growth, according to the press release.
“Princeton has such powerful, relevant history and an incredible sense of community,” Taggart said. “As a social historian, I value the diversity of these stories and am excited to be a part of the town’s historical stewardship. The community has placed a lot of trust in HSP and I am excited to build on our partnerships and engagement.”
Taggart’s first public event will be HSP’s annual A Night Under the Stars benefit on September 24. The evening, celebrating local food, drink, and talent in the unparalleled setting of Updike Farmstead, is an opportunity for the community to get to know the HSP team while supporting its history education programs and collections. Tickets are available at www.princetonhistory.org.
Founded in 1938, HSP is a hub for cultural enrichment, experiential education, and stewardship of collections and places. The organization preserves and shares Princeton’s diverse, important, and fascinating stories with wide audiences. In so doing, HSP enhances community vitality and builds historical literacy, cornerstones of healthy civic culture. HSP’s museum and headquarters, Updike Farmstead, is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places and lies within the Princeton Battlefield/Stony Brook Historic District, according to the press release.
