Mayor Shari Cantor announced that Mary Donohue has been named West Hartford’s Town Historian.

By Ronni Newton

Longtime resident Mary Donohue has been appointed West Hartford town historian and said she’s “honored and deeply appreciative” about taking on the role, and looking forward to expanding her knowledge of and impact on the town.

“I have to say I have been studying up for this job for decades,” Donohue said. “I’ve done extensive research in West Hartford’s neighborhoods and architecture,” information she has shared during walking tours and presentations. She said she had also worked with her predecessors, who all “left a wonderful legacy and a big role for me to fill.”

Before reading a proclamation appointing Donohue, Mayor Shari Cantor thanked Tracey Wilson, West Hartford’s previous town historian, who served in the role for roughly 15 years until her death in February, and who had an enormous impact in educating the community about the town’s past. The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society recently named its new research center in honor of Wilson, and her papers have been donated and are now stored there, where they can be used by researchers.

“Being a town historian is a very important job for a town being a really great town, and to learn about … how you came to be and learn lessons of the past,” Cantor said.

Mary Donohue with Mayor Shari Cantor who just read a proclamation appointing her as West Hartford Town Historian at the June 10, 2025 meeting. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The proclamation announcing Donohue’s appointment notes that she has lived in West Hartford for nearly 40 years, and her background as “a celebrated author, architectural historian, and historic preservationist” has helped enrich the understanding and appreciation of the town’s cultural heritage.

Donohue has received numerous accolades, including the Janet Jainschigg Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation and the Frederick Law Olmsted Award, and her background includes serving as assistant publisher of “Connecticut Explored” as well as writing more than 50 historical articles, co-authoring three books about the state’s history, stewardship of the historic Cephas Grant House in West Hartford, and past service as deputy state historic preservation officer. She has been a Board member and interim executive director of the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, co-chair of the West Hartford Historic District Commission, and had a role with the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford.

Donohue said the role of West Hartford town historian is very important at this time, as the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding will be celebrated in 2026.

West Hartford has an “America 250” committee, and Donohue said the role of that organization will involve not just sharing colonial history but also telling “the inclusive stories from all parts of our community” and looking for places that should be honored as landmarks. “And we really want to talk about the power of place in West Hartford,” Donohue added. She encouraged anyone to contact her with ideas, and to embark on a listening tour of cultural and community groups.

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