JOANNA KERR NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NORTH ANDOVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

JOANNA KERR NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NORTH ANDOVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

North Andover, Mass. June 4, 2024 –

The North Andover Historical Society (NAHS) has announced Joanna Kerr as the new executive director of the society, following four months as interim executive director. Kerr has already pushed the society to new heights with an increased presence in the community by enhancing and creating partnerships with local groups such as the North Andover Garden Club, North Andover Youth and Recreation Services, North Andover Public Schools, and Acting Out, a local theater group that brings live performances into the theater, in addition to spearheading the new solar exhibit, opening this fall, with its corresponding education programs. “North Andover is the special place it is today because of the prudence and actions of people who lived here before us, and we have a responsibility to pass this along to future generations,” says Kerr, executive director of the North Andover Historical Society. “I am excited and honored to take on this new position at NAHS, and work with many people, groups, organizations and the town itself, to help collect, preserve and share our incredible history.”

Kerr came to the society in January of 2024 with over a decade of experience managing historic properties, including the Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill here in North Andover, and the Lanam Club in Andover. Originally from Manchester, England, she holds a BS in hospitality from Manchester Metropolitan University. In the twelve years she’s been a resident of North Andover, she has also become an active member of the North Andover Improvement Society, of which she has been a board member since 2017, and the North Andover Women’s Club.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joanna to our team as the new Executive Director of the Historical Society," says David Kres, president of the Board of Directors. "Her extensive experience and passion for preserving history makes her a great fit for our organization. The Board of Directors is confident, that under her leadership, we will continue to grow and enhance our mission of educating the public and preserving North Andover’s rich heritage.” Additional long-term goals for Kerr include completing the transformation of the Stevens Center into an historical and environmental destination for learning and knowledge as a successful community hub, a focus on maintaining and sharing the society’s historical properties, and a revitalization of the NAHS website and brand to build awareness and support in the local community.

“I profoundly feel the impact of the people here before me and am passionate about helping to carry their impacts forward,” adds Kerr. This is an exciting time for NAHS and a great opportunity to visit the Stevens Center.

The museum is regularly open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, in addition to First Saturdays, a rotating open house of our historic properties. The Stevens Center is also home to the Worden Theater, bringing world class programming, education and enrichment to audiences in subjects including local and regional history, sustainable stewardship and culture, and the arts.