Martha Higgins – Executive Director Martha Higgins brings over twenty-five years of deep experience in non-profit management, museum curation, and historical preservation to her pivotal role as Executive Director. With a Master’s degree in Public History and a background in regional planning, she has dedicated her professional life to the belief that local heritage should be accessible, engaging, and a source of community empowerment. Martha’s leadership style is defined by her infectious warmth, her open-door policy, and her genuine interest in the personal stories that form the mosaic of our community. She oversees all organizational operations, from high-level fundraising and grant writing to long-term strategic planning, always ensuring that our core mission remains the guiding star of every decision. Her tenure has been characterized by a collaborative spirit, as she works tirelessly with the board, city officials, and local residents to ensure that the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission remains a vibrant, financially stable, and essential part of the town’s cultural life. She is often seen at town meetings advocating for historic districts and can be found most weekends giving personal tours to visiting families.

Robert Sterling – Head Archivist
Robert Sterling is the meticulous, highly skilled guardian of our extensive physical and digital collections. With a dual background in library science and American history, and a specialized certification in archival management, Robert ensures that every document, delicate photograph, and rare artifact in our care is properly preserved, cataloged, and protected from the elements. He is a passionate, relentless researcher who finds immense joy in helping community members uncover the hidden, often surprising details of their family history or the architectural origins of their historic homes. Robert’s patient and caring approach makes the often-intimidating world of archival research feel welcoming, navigable, and deeply rewarding for everyone from middle-schoolers to professional historians. He is constantly exploring and implementing new digital technologies to protect our physical collections while making them more accessible to a global audience, believing that information is only truly valuable when it can be shared and understood.

Sarah Jenkins – Education Coordinator Sarah Jenkins is a former public school teacher with a lifelong passion for creative storytelling, pedagogy, and the power of historical education to change lives. As our Education Coordinator, she develops and implements the comprehensive curriculum for our school tours, youth workshops, and family-oriented programs that serve hundreds of children each year. Sarah believes that history should be a multisensory, fun, and interactive adventure, and she works tirelessly to create hands-on experiences—like mock archaeological digs and colonial-era craft workshops—that capture the vivid imagination of our younger visitors. Her professional background in education allows her to expertly align our programs with state and national learning standards, making the commission an indispensable partner for local educators and school districts. Sarah’s enthusiasm for her subject is infectious, and she has a unique, rare ability to make the events of three hundred years ago feel as relevant, exciting, and urgent as today’s news for the children of our community.

James Thornton – Volunteer Lead
James Thornton serves as the vital bridge between our organization and the many dedicated, selfless individuals who give their precious time to support our mission. As a lifelong resident of Dalton and a retired professor of history, James understands the deep, emotional connection that people have to their hometown and the power of volunteerism to strengthen community ties. He manages our extensive volunteer recruitment, training, and scheduling, ensuring that every individual finds a role that perfectly matches their unique skills, personal interests, and schedule. James’s approachable nature, his legendary storytelling ability, and his deep knowledge of local lore make him a beloved mentor to many. He fosters a profound sense of camaraderie, respect, and shared purpose among our volunteer team, ensuring that their contributions are not only recognized but are celebrated as the vital lifeblood of our organization’s continued success and community presence.