[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Newington 3-25-1997
by Ord. No. 9597-5 (§§ 2-133 to 2-137
of the 1974 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
Pursuant to C.G.S. § 7-148(5)(D), a Town historian shall be
appointed in the Town of Newington to promote a knowledge and appreciation
of the local history of the Town and to disseminate information relating thereto.
An Assistant Town Historian may be appointed at the Town's discretion to assist
the Town Historian in his duties.
A.
The Town Historian and Assistant Town Historian shall
be electors of the Town and shall possess an enthusiasm for the community
and its history, have a strong public service orientation and a desire to
teach, write and promote local history. Additionally, the Town Historian and
Assistant Town Historian shall possess or acquire a knowledge of the history
of the Town, with specialized knowledge regarding subject areas specific to
the Town.
B.
The Town Historian and Assistant Town Historian shall
possess or acquire a general knowledge of state and American history and an
understanding of the relationship between this history and local history.
C.
The Town Historian and Assistant Town Historian shall
have some knowledge of the skills and techniques necessary to perform historical
and archival research and possess good written and oral communication skills.
D.
The Town Historian shall apply for membership to the
Association of Connecticut Municipal Historians within 90 days of appointment.
A.
The Town Historian and Assistant Town Historian shall
be appointed to a term of five years and shall continue in office until a
successor is appointed. They shall be appointed by the Town Manager and confirmed
by the Town Council. The same persons may be appointed to additional terms.
B.
A vacancy in the office of Town Historian shall be filled
by the Town Manager and confirmed by the Town Council for the unexpired portion
of the term vacated. A vacancy in the office of the Assistant Town Historian
may be filled by the Town Manager and confirmed by the Town Council for the
unexpired portion of the term vacated.
The Town Historian shall:
A.
Endeavor to expand and promote the community's awareness
of and appreciation for the Town's history, through research, writing, and
public speaking, and act, when appropriate, as a consultant for publications,
projects, exhibits, public programs, displays, celebrations, commemorations,
the establishment and maintenance of plaques, markers, and monuments, and
the preparation of classroom aids, guides, workshops and training.
B.
Advise the Town Manager and Town Council in regard to
historical issues and subjects, including historical objects, historical structures
and sites, historic districts, National Register properties, and historic
preservation.
C.
Serve as a liaison with the Town's museums, libraries,
and historical associations, and with similar outside groups, to encourage
historical coordination, cooperation and resource sharing.
D.
Maintain a reference library of historical information
and serve as a central referral point for inquiries for information, in conjunction
with the Lucy Robbins Welles Library and the Newington Historical Society
and Trust, Inc.
E.
Expend funds that are allocated to him as part of the
Town's annual budget process and any other funds that are made available to
him.
The Town Historian and Assistant Town Historian shall serve without
compensation. Further, any tangible property prepared, constructed, established
or obtained by the Town Historian with monies of the Town shall remain the
property of the Town of Newington.[1]