The trustees of Great Camp Sagamore announced at their May meeting that Beverly Bridger, who has been executive director since 1989, plans to retire in December.
Also retiring is Associate Director Dr. Michael Wilson.
Together, Bridger and Wilson won the prestigious National Historic Landmark designation for the former Vanderbilt site and completed millions of dollars of historic preservation projects for its 27 buildings through grants, donations, and volunteer labor.
They also created a new special management area within the Forest Preserve called the Great Camps Historic District, conducted tours that won Michelin’s highest rating, and initiated a nationally acclaimed Grandparents and Grandchildren’s summer program.
Incorporated under the Department of Education, Great Camp Sagamore during the tenure of Bridger and Wilson, has developed partnerships with Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel), Skidmore College, Museumwise, and the New York State Art Teachers Association.
Great Camp Sagamore employs up to 25 staff and interns each season and is recognized as a vital economic partner in Hamilton County.
It appreciates its longstanding tourism collaboration with the Raquette Lake Navigation Company and the Adirondack Museum.
The staff and trustees have just completed a new strategic plan. The Board of Trustees is building endowment and says it currently has excellent leadership.
Great Camp Sagamore is the recipient of a sizeable historic preservation grant from the state’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) awards.
Bridger and Wilson said that Great Camp Sagamore has a bright future and feel it has been a privilege to serve such a special place important to both Adirondack and American heritage.
Candidates for the Executive Director position can find a job description at www.greatcampsagamore.org and can address letters of intent to Board President Marion Goethals at sagasearch@gmail.com.
