About the MHS

Three-Year Strategy 

A Sharpened Focus for FY2024-FY2026

As the first historical society in the nation and a respected leader in public history, the MHS has collected, preserved, and shared materials and resources that foster historical knowledge for 232 years. As the Commonwealth and the nation have grown and evolved, so has the MHS. And we continue to do so. A majority of FY2023 was spent discussing our priorities, refining our goals, and thinking about the future. With guidance from our Trustees, Advisors, Members, and staff, we have sharpened our focus and determined specific goals for the next three years. 

Strategically add to and strengthen the collection to reflect diverse voices and prepare for the scholarship of the future 

• We will actively collect the history of all communities that make up Massachusetts.
• We will increase the reach of the collection. 
• We will identify and collaborate with other archival repositories collecting for diversity. 

Promote the teaching of history and civics across the K-12 population in Massachusetts 

• We will refine the scope of National History Day to reach more students across Massachusetts. 
• We will enhance access to the Society’s primary source materials by expanding the resources and tools available to K-12 students and teachers. 
• We will actively seek partners to leverage our education efforts to maximize our impact. 

Increase access to the collection and refocus publications 

• We will expand the number of digital projects and online resources available to researchers, teachers and students, and the general public. 
• We will reduce the backlog of materials that need to be processed.
• We will focus on the selection, transcription, and contextualization of our collection through the publication of documentary editions.

Promote our researchers and fellows and the historical expertise they provide 

• We will grow the number of fellowships offered by the MHS with a particular emphasis on public history and new scholarship. Increase the visibility of the MHS to raise its profile 
• We will develop and execute on a messaging and funding strategy to dramatically increase our visibility in Boston, throughout Massachusetts, and across the nation. 
• We will develop new projects to highlight our historical expertise. 
• We will produce public programs that are aligned with overall strategy. 

Deepen and broaden the Society’s financial support 

• We will develop a culture of philanthropy across the MHS and with volunteer leadership. 
• We will devise and implement strategies that will increase financial resources and decrease dependence on the endowment. 

Increase the sustainability of the MHS 

• We will invest in our world-class staff by increasing opportunities for professional development. 
• We will enhance our physical and technological security. 
• We will plan for future facility needs. 

By bringing this sharpened strategic focus to its offerings, the MHS will position itself for continued success and growth in the future.