Gail Murray at the Town of Webb Historical Association’s Goodsell Museum in Old Forge. Photo by Carol Hansen
Gail Murray has announced she will be stepping down from her position as Director of the Town of Webb Historical Association effective November 1.
Murray, who moved to Old Forge in 1986 with her husband Randy and son Terry, was appointed to the position in April 2002.
She had previously worked eight years at the front desk of the Arts Center/Old Forge and part-time at Ed Diamond’s Antiques and Things—employment experiences that she said were incredibly helpful to her as historical director.
Murray said she was a member of the Historical Association Board when then-director Peg Masters, Town of Webb Historian, resigned from the position.
She was asked to write a job description for a new director and when she started writing it, she said to herself, “I can do that.”
She was hired at a part-time capacity, but it wasn’t long before the Goodsell Museum’s hours grew from a three-day operation to a full five days, making the organization eligible to apply for grant opportunities.
Year-round exhibits and numerous programs and events were added which attracted more visitors to the Goodsell Museum. Eventually a second full-time employee, Kate Lewis, was hired.Murray said the Historical Association isn’t the same organization it was 10 years ago, with its growth necessitating additional fund raising.
“We had 1,500 visitors to the museum in July and August alone. Obviously we’re a tourist destination and attraction,” she said.
Murray said her decision to leave her position was well thought out and family-oriented.
“Now I will have more time for my family, and I plan to spend quality time with my grandsons. Finding child care in this area is difficult and I am looking forward to helping my son and daughter-in-law by caring for the kids during the day so they can tend to their businesses with a little less stress,” she said.
Murray said she will always enjoy collecting and documenting the history of this area, and hopes to continue her skills as a volunteer at the Historical Association in the future.
