WORCESTER—The American Antiquarian Society (AAS) has elected 35 new members from across the United States and Washington, D.C., reflecting a broad spectrum of academic and public achievements. These members include historians, writers, collectors, and public intellectuals, who were selected for their contributions to understanding and preserving American history.
Founded in 1812, the AAS is dedicated to documenting American life from the colonial period through the early 20th century. With nearly 1,200 members from 49 states and six countries, the society’s members have included 14 U.S. presidents, multiple Pulitzer Prize winners, and leading intellectuals across disciplines.
This new group continues that tradition of excellence, with individuals representing a range of professions, from university professors and museum curators to poets and collectors.
Among the newly elected members are prominent figures such as Brian Lamb, founder and retired CEO of C-SPAN, and Danielle Legros Georges, Boston’s poet laureate from 2015 to 2019. Other new members include historians like Erica Ball, professor of Black studies at Occidental College, and Kathleen M. Gagne, executive director of Worcester’s Mechanics Hall. Their inclusion highlights the diversity of expertise and perspective within the AAS community.
The newly elected members represent 15 states, including Massachusetts, California, Michigan, New York, and Georgia, as well as the District of Columbia. Several members come from prestigious academic institutions, such as Howard University, the University of Delaware, and Yale University, while others bring unique expertise as collectors, archivists, and community leaders.
The society’s mission is to foster a deeper understanding of the American past through research, preservation, and the sharing of knowledge. The election of new members strengthens this mission, as they contribute to the continued study of American history and culture. The AAS maintains an extensive collection of books, pamphlets, newspapers, manuscripts, and other materials that document American life, and its members play a crucial role in supporting and expanding these collections.
In addition to welcoming new members, the AAS also elected several individuals to serve on its governing board for three-year terms. This includes Jesse Alemán, professor of English at the University of New Mexico, and Samantha McDonald, a partner at Worcester law firm Bowditch. Long-serving members George W. Tetler III and Nick Aretakis were re-elected as treasurer and recording secretary, respectively.
Through these elections, the AAS continues to be a vital resource for scholars and enthusiasts of American history, ensuring that the stories and lessons of the past remain accessible and relevant for future generations.
News release? Send it to Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
