Sharon Historical Society names DePauw as executive director

Sharon Historical Society names DePauw as executive director
The Sharon Historical Society’s new Executive Director, Karen DePauw, began her duties in early September, enthusiastically embracing local history and community. 
Photo by Leila Hawken

SHARON — Following a diligent search process, the Sharon Historical Society’s Board named Karen DePauw to serve as its new Executive Director, and since starting in her new position in early September, she is already making an impact, acquainting herself with the community. 

Depauw paused for an interview on Friday, Sept. 15, just at the end of her second week on the job.

“In the first six months, I am really focusing on learning the organization and the community,” DePauw said. “I want to get to know who we are, but also who the community sees us as.”

Bringing 15 years of museum experience, DePauw said that for the last eight years she has been a provider of field services in conjunction with the programs of the Indiana Historical Society. Her work has been with small museums throughout Indiana, helping them to develop their programs.

Born and raised in southern Illinois, she is however not new to Connecticut. Having earned a Master of Science degree in Textile Preservation and Fashion History from the University of Rhode Island, her first employment was at the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford where she served as a research and collections assistant.

Currently, DePauw says she is reading up on local history, excited to be meeting with board members of the historical society and with members of the community.

“Community connection is such a big part of what local historical societies do,” DePauw said. “I am excited to continue, and to enhance, those connections that our society has with Sharon residents.”

“Without community, we would not have the history to share or anyone to share it with,” she added.

Delighted to be living in the Northwest Corner, DePauw said that her wife, Jessica Jenkins, and she are currently living in Litchfield, where Jenkins has been serving as the Executive Director of the Litchfield Historical Society since July 1.

About her interests, DePauw said, “I love to learn new things. I’m a constant student, but rarely a master.”

DePauw said that she enjoys cross-stitching, needlework of all kinds and is proficient at sewing. She said that she enjoys gardening, principally vegetables, but a few flowers, canning and painting.

Having completed her service as the interim Executive Director, Myra Plescia has returned to her position as Project Manager for the society.

“She has been an amazing help,” DePauw said.

As has been Curator Cooper Sheldon.

“Cooper is great,” DePauw said. “I’m very much looking forward to working with him.”

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