Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Historical Society has named William H. Dunlap of Amherst, NH, its new executive director.  Dunlap, selected in a nationwide search, begins work on April 1, succeeding Michael C. Sununu, who has served as the Society’s interim executive director since September. 

“In Bill Dunlap we have found a proven leader with strong connections throughout New Hampshire and a deep understanding of our state’s cultural distinctiveness,” said John S. Robinson, president of the Society’s Board of Trustees.  “His experience bridges the business and nonprofit sectors, and that is just what we need for our historical society to meet 21st-century challenges and opportunities.”

Dunlap has most recently been a consultant for nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire in the areas of strategic and business planning, governance, and fundraising.  He is prominent in the state community, having served in numerous board leadership positions at Colby-Sawyer College, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, the Derryfield School, the New Hampshire Business Committee for the Arts, and the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies, among others.  Prior to establishing his nonprofit consulting firm in 2005, Dunlap was a successful business entrepreneur, having founded and built his own New Hampshire-based company (Taft-Locke Companies).  Following the sale of his company, he served as a senior manager of the new parent company, Alco Standard Corporation.  A native of New Hampshire, Dunlap is a graduate of Amherst College, where he majored in English and American Studies.   

“The New Hampshire Historical Society is an institution that educates us, enriches our lives, and reminds us of why we love New Hampshire,” says Dunlap.  “I look forward with great anticipation to working with the Society’s excellent board of trustees, talented staff, and supportive membership—4,000 strong—as we continue to discover new ways to tell the story of New Hampshire.”

About the New Hampshire Historical Society
Founded in 1823, the New Hampshire Historical Society is the independent nonprofit that saves, preserves, and shares New Hampshire history.  The Society serves thousands of children and adults each year through its museum, library, educational programs, publications, and outreach programs.  The Society is not a state-funded agency.  All of its programs and services are made possible by membership dues and contributions.  For more information on the Society and the benefits of membership, visit nhhistory.org or call 603-228-6688.