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Williamstown Historical Museum Welcomes New Executive Director

The Williamstown Historical Museum is pleased to announce that Jess Hunsicker began serving as Executive Director in April 2026, bringing experience in librarianship, museum leadership, public history, and community-based cultural programming.

In this role, Hunsicker oversees the museum’s daily operations, exhibitions, educational programming, research initiatives, and community engagement. Drawing on her background in library and information science, she supports the museum’s work of collecting, cataloging, and preserving materials of historical significance while expanding access for research and public
education.

She works closely with the Board of Directors to advance the museum’s mission of promoting interest in the history of the Williamstown area through the preservation and interpretation of its material and documentary record, as well as through exhibitions, programs, events, research, and publications that deepen public understanding of the town’s past.

Hunsicker holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Rochester, where she graduated cum laude with Highest Distinction and Honors in research. Her background in archival and information systems and historical research informs her work in strengthening collections, interpretation, and access to local history.

“I am honored to join the Williamstown Historical Museum at such an exciting moment for the organization,” said Hunsicker. “I look forward to working with the Board, volunteers, and community to deepen engagement with Williamstown’s unique history.”

Board President David Dewey added, “Our search included a deep pool of highly qualified candidates. Jess is our unanimous and ideal person to lead our Museum into its next exciting chapter. Her commitment to local history and building community is infectious. We are thrilled to welcome Jess to our educational and cultural mission.”

The museum looks forward to building on its strong foundation while finding new ways to connect residents and visitors with the stories that shape the region.

Saturday May 9: “Williamstown in 1776”

Please join us at 11am for a captivating presentation by local historian and author Dusty Griffin, bringing us back to Williamstown in 1776: who lived in town, who the leaders were, what was going on militarily, politically, etc.
Free to the public, Donations greatly appreciated.

Over the last eight years, local historian Dustin (Dusty) Griffin has published four collections of essays on the history of Williamstown and Williamstown, the most recent of them Williamstown and Williams College: Volume 4, in June 2025. He calls the essays “microhistories,”deep dives into the  history of a particular place, a notable person, or a significant event. He has often given talks to audiences  in Williamstown  on local history over the last ten years. He is now at work on new essays, including one which forms the basis of today’s talk, “Williamstown in 1776.”

Before turning to local  history, Dusty was Professor of English at New York University, and the author of nine scholarly books on18th-century English literature. He is a1965 graduate of Williams College, and a former trustee of the college. He is also chair of the Williamstown Historical Commission,which is currently preparing online tours of historical houses and sites in Williamstown, including a “1776 tour.” Dusty and his wife, Gale, have lived in Williamstown since 2003.

“Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican History & Continued Presence” Williams College Students

SATURDAY, APRIL 25th, 2026 11:00AM

NOTE CHANGE IN LOCATION: MILNE LIBRARY, 1095 MAIN STREET, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA

Join us at the Williamstown Historical Museum on Saturday, April 25th at 11am for an introduction to the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Nation, whose ancestral homelands encompass Williamstown, the Berkshires, and parts of the greater northeastern U.S.

Williams College students from the Mohican Homelands Education Initiative will lead this program as part of the Tribal–College partnership between Williams College and the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. The Initiative works with Tribal offices to design curriculum about the Community’s history and culture through the present-day, and has presented to over 600 learners in school classrooms and community spaces since 2023.

Today a sovereign Tribal Nation based in Wisconsin, the Community has endured several forced removals while maintaining strong connections to these homelands. We’ll explore the Community’s rich history in our region, life on the present-day reservation, and ongoing cultural and political presence.