We write this letter to clarify remarks made at the joint Town Council and Board of Finance Meeting on February 26 during which the public commented on the proposed capital expenditure for the new New Canaan Library. Governors on the Board at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society spoke out against the proposed demolition of the existing library. As part of these remarks, a letter from the former executive director of our Society was read. These presentations resulted in confusion.
As is the case with many individuals in New Canaan, we all are engaged in many ways in what goes on in this town. We work and volunteer in different capacities—on town commissions or councils, on nonprofit boards, on advocacy groups. And we are all residents. Any of us is entitled to share his or her views as an individual. But no one is entitled to speak on behalf of an organization, including the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society, without authority. Our 20-person Board includes Governors who are part of efforts to save the 1913 library as well as people who love the plans for the new New Canaan Library and are significant donors to its capital campaign.
The mission of the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society places equal emphasis on preservation, modernism, education and community. No one pillar bears more weight than the others. And in making decisions on behalf of the organization, we know that there are times when these four values conflict.
The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society has taken no position on whether or not the original library should be demolished. And any attempt to shroud personal opinions in the guise of an institutional viewpoint is misleading.
Best regards,
Lawrence Caldwell, president
Robert Mallozzi III, vice president
New Canaan Museum & Historical Society
Thank you Larry and Rob!
Very well stated. Thank you.
The Society’s mission statement as presented on its website does not mention any language or inference of “modernism” as a priority. How can modernism then be considered one of four equally important mandates?
I write to say that it was not my intent to represent the Governor’s of the New Canaan Museum and Historical Society as to saving the library building. I spoke as a citizen who feels the present building without its many additions is a historic building. In “Landmarks of New Canaan” the building is described as “an architectural gem”. I will not repeat the history of the building here, but the article goes on to describe the thought that went into the building, its materials and its placement.
It would be my hope that the building could be saved from demolition and the wonderful new library also built. I am sorry I was unable to attend the meeting where this was discussed. Perhaps had I been there this misunderstanding would not have occurred.
Hear! Hear! I agree. This Landmark Library building can and should be saved and, yes, the new building can also be built.
I wasn’t confused before reading this Letter…
I am now.
What does the New Canaan Historical Society and its directors/trustees stand or advocate for today?
Charles L. Robinson
.
Charlie,
I agree with you. What is the mandate of the Historical society? It has “ “preservation”as part of its mission statement which one would think included important and significant structures including the old library. The silence is deafening.
Jennifer Holme