I am incredibly excited to announce the arrival of our new executive director, Erin Hammerstedt, this coming Sept. 3. Our Search Committee, led by Connie Roy-Czyzowski and Rachel Baker, conducted a robust and rigorous nationwide search with assistance and guidance from Museum Search and Reference. This process has brought Erin to the Shaker family.  

Erin joins us following seven successful years as Executive Director at Historic Harrisville, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the unique historical and architectural heritage of Harrisville, New Hampshire. Among other duties, she managed the rehabilitation, maintenance, leasing, and operation of twenty-two historic buildings that contained approximately 75,000 square feet of leasable commercial space and twelve residential rental units.

According to David Katz, Board Chair of Canterbury Shaker Village, Hammerstedt will lead the organization into “a new phase of vision and energy.” This new phase includes a multi-million-dollar capital campaign, backed by a feasibility study, that ensures the stability of the village’s historic preservation, collections, visitor experience, and endowment. 

“Erin has tremendous experience in community relations and the rehabilitation and management of historic properties, which makes her the perfect hire for the Village,” said Katz. “We look forward to her leadership. Erin has the financial management and leadership experience we need to expand our educational outreach and properly protect and maintain the village’s core physical assets.” Katz added, “The present and future look very bright at the village.”

I would like to add a very special thank you to the residents of Canterbury and the area for taking the time to speak with the committee over the last 8 months of this search. The committee included my co-chair, Connie Roy-Czyzowski, Kathleen Belko, Karyn Finkelson, Jean Nye, Doug Eveyln and James Garvin, who worked to collect information from over 230 people through interviews and surveys. Many people took the time to share their Shaker stories and hopes for a successful future for the village.

After Erin has a chance to start at the village and learn from our wonderful staff and Shaker community, I plan on hosting a round table forum so that she can meet the people of Canterbury and hear more of your stories and learn of your ties to the village. Please join me in welcoming Erin. I feel so strongly that she is the perfect fit for moving the village into a successful and sustainable future, one filled with good community relations and positive feelings.

~ Rachel Baker, member, Shaker Village Board of Directors