Fort Welcomes New Director

By Matthew Avitabile

SCHOHARIE — The Old Stone Fort welcomed a native daughter as its new Director this week. Mary Johnson brings in impressive experience for the position as she hopes to work with the paid and volunteer team to expand public events and education.

Johnson is a 2016 graduate of Cobleskill-Richmondville prior to her college and museum career. She is a graduate of SUNY Oneonta's Cooperstown Graduate Program, which specializes in museum studies. Johnson said that it was "time to come home." Her enthusiasm with museum studies "grew as my experience grew."

The Fort was headed by Director Melinda McTaggart, who left last year. Earlier this year the fort had a very brief tenure of Tyler Warman, who resigned without explanation after being appointed by the County Board of Supervisors.

Prior to coming to the Old Stone Fort, Johnson previously worked and volunteered at the Reading, Pennsylvania Public Museum, the State Historical Society of North Dakota, the Sedgwick County (Kansas) Zoo and Zoo Science Program, the All American All-Indian Museum in Wichita Kansas, and Zoo Boise in Idaho. While she enjoyed her tenure at several zoos, she said that she was "more passionate about the people."

The new director said that it "feels great to be back home" and is looking forward to her roles at the museum and the Schoharie County Historical Society. Her position also allows her to live close to her family and see her mother every day.

While it was great to "spread wings" working and studying out of state, being back in Schoharie County is a major positive. Johnson identified numerous priorities, including to have the Fort and Historical Society be "more visible," calling the museum the "best kept secret" in the area. She also praised the "awesome" programs, employees, and volunteers at the Fort.

She hopes to improve marketing for the organization, including to "spread the word about the cool stuff we're doing." In the aftermath of the pandemic there is a major opportunity, she said. The new director cited extensive museum experience and specialization in science programs. The combination and her curiosity should be able to assist with her interest in reenactments and 18th century history. "Schoharie County has such an interesting history and it's strong still."

She is excited for the coming library to be located on the Fort's campus aided by generous donations from the Zimmer and Juried families. This will allow for an expansion of local genealogy, records, and programs, she said.

Johnson said that she appreciated the "warm welcome from very passionate, knowledgeable people."