HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWS RELEASE
Los Alamos Historical Society is joining the long list of local not-for-profit organizations, as well as the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos, in looking for a new leader. Elizabeth Martineau will leave her Executive Director position in the near future, citing personal reasons for her decision.
Martineau looks back on her tenure with satisfaction and optimism. “I know that I am leaving the organization on a positive trajectory,” she said. “We have reorganized the board and added talented new members. Financially, the organization weathered the pandemic and is doing well.”
The coming years at LAHS appear positive to Martineau. “We are currently looking forward to opening the Oppenheimer House and expanding opportunities in our beautiful historic district. These signs all point to a bright future ahead for the organization.” She noted that the Oppenheimer House offers a significant opportunity to expand the LAHS campus, bringing an impressive new small event venue and interpretive experience to the campus.
“We will soon launch a fundraising campaign to assist with the total $1.5 million costs of the project,” Martineau said. In addition to the capital campaign, major sponsors will be sought, as will Legacy Society donors and new members. All will play a part in moving the house renovation forward and sustaining the growing organization into the coming years.
A long-time, active community resident, Martineau still found new opportunities in her tenure as the head of LAHS. “Los Alamos has a long, deep, and rich history of innovative and resilient people. It has been inspiring to learn more about some of their stories,” she said. “The thing that I have enjoyed the most is working with our volunteers, who are so passionate about our history. I hope to join them as a volunteer in the future.”
Describing her leadership legacy, Martineau cited a wide variety of accomplishments.
“I am most proud of creating collaborative partnerships with other organizations in town, starting the Victory Garden, expanding family programming, creating a more interactive space in the Hans Bethe House, finishing the new (interpretive) plan for the Oppenheimer House, working with a major film company, and creating virtual content on our website,” she said.
Martineau is looking forward to spending more time with her family.
Board President Cherie Trottier said of Martineau’s service, “Liz did an incredible job for LAHS during the pandemic shut down. She worked with staff in creating outreach opportunities. Liz’s passion for history shows in her presentations throughout the community. This enthusiasm encourages people to visit the ‘history in their backyard’ – one way of preserving our history.”
The LAHS Board is beginning its search for a new Executive Director, Trottier said. Interested candidates can view the job posting at www.losalamoshistory.org.