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Dear friends and members of CCHS,

Some of you have heard the news that I’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer. Needless to say this came as a shock to the Society board, staff and my family. I’m having surgery to remove the stage 2/3 mass on February 27, 2020. After that, more analysis will reveal my next steps. Fortunately, the information I’m gathering indicates that I’m most likely back to a pretty normal work schedule by the end of 2020. Still, there will be spans of time where my interactions with members and other partners in the community will be extremely limited; probably March through August 2020.

Starting the end of February, Secretary of the Board David Smith has graciously offered to serve as a primary point of contact on matters related to our strategic plan, major gifts, questions related to the upcoming capital campaign and Board, Staff and Committee coordination questions. David and I will regularly check in with each other and with the Society’s Executive Committee. David will keep regular hours at CCHS and messages to him can be communicated by calling 717-249-7610 ext 103. His email is sheafwheat@kuhncom.net

We encourage our members and community partners, however, to continue to work closely with department heads on projects and initiatives in the works. Department specific matters related to collections, research, events, rentals, outreach, the Shop and other general operations should continue to funnel to our department directors as listed on the CCHS Staff page: https://www.historicalsociety.com/who-we-are/staff-and-board/

We promise to send you another update in the Spring. I’m extremely grateful of the outpouring of support and encouragement from the Cumberland County history community.

Sincerely,
Jason Illari,
Executive Director, CCHS