By Mark Ambrogi
The Carmel Clay Historical Society is in the midst of several changes.
Because of her husband’s job relocation, Executive Director Whitney Dennis said her final day will be Aug. 30. Emily Ehrgott recently was appointed to become the interim executive director beginning in August.
“I am very happy about the choice of Emily Ehrgott as interim director and know she will be an effective advocate for history in this community,” Dennis said. “I trust that whoever fills this executive director position will build on the work we have been doing in my time here, and I know when I return I will find a thriving CCHS.”
Dan McFeely, president of the CCHS board of directors, said he is sorry to see Dennis leave.
“During her time as director, she made great progress on a number of fronts,” McFeely said. “But at the same time, everyone on the board is excited that Emily agreed to step in to keep things on track while we begin a search for a permanent replacement.”
Erghott has served on the CCHS board but said she will resign when she takes over the interim spot. She helped renovate the McShane House, a historic Carmel home, to serve as her family home.
“Emily has been very involved in most of our events and has worked hard as the coordinator of our volunteers, whose help we rely on all the time,” McFeely said. “We have all been very impressed, as well, at the way she transformed the McShane House. She truly loves history, and we know she will do a good job.”
McFeely said the board is starting the process of searching for a new executive director.
Ehrgott said she is excited to be working in a more permanent position with CCHS.
“I feel Whitney has been successful getting our mission more public, and I will strive to continue on that same path,” Ehrgott said. “The CCHS is a great place to discover your history here in Carmel, and we hope to have more people interested in their local history.”
Katherine Dill, who served as CCHS executive director from 2010 to 2014, is helping to manage a $26,000 Heritage Support grant, McFeely said. The grant from the Indiana Historical Society was made possible by the Lilly Endowment.
Dill is returning in a paid position to oversee the grant and help with the transition to the new executive director.
