J. Kevin Graffagnino argues Vermonters must fund local history

Vermont’s Historical Societies Face a Call for Increased Philanthropy

Dr. J. Kevin Graffagnino, a historian and former executive director of the Vermont Historical Society, argues that the state’s cultural heritage organizations are in urgent need of more robust financial support from the communities they serve. Writing in a column for the Times Argus, Graffagnino contends that while many residents express affection for local historical societies, that sentiment often fails to translate into the meaningful donations required to sustain them.

The push for increased giving comes as the state approaches its semiquincentennial, a period of significant historical reflection. Graffagnino, who served as the executive director of the Vermont Historical Society from 2003 to 2008, uses his personal experience managing the organization through a period of severe financial instability to illustrate the high stakes of cultural preservation. During his tenure, the society faced a $3 million debt following a move from Montpelier to Barre and the subsequent renovation of the Spaulding School, a burden that necessitated consistent quarterly payments.

The struggle to balance the costs of maintaining two facilities against limited income created what Graffagnino describes as the most stressful years of his career. He notes that the society survived primarily through the private generosity of Shelburne philanthropist Lois McClure and a gradual increase in state appropriations under the Douglas administration.

J. Kevin Graffagnino argues Vermonters must fund local history

The Gap Between Affection and Action

Graffagnino suggests that a significant disconnect exists between the public’s appreciation for Vermont’s identity and their willingness to fund the institutions that protect it. He specifically challenges affluent donors, particularly those associated with Ivy League institutions, to redirect a portion of their philanthropic focus toward local cultural assets. He argues that while a million-dollar gift may have a negligible impact on a massive institution like Harvard, it could fundamentally transform the capabilities of a venue like Middlebury’s Sheldon Museum.

The scope of the need extends far beyond the state’s central historical organization. Graffagnino points out that Vermont is home to nearly 200 historical societies and museums, many of which require more substantial support to expand their services and activities. He cites the potential for endowments to revitalize local institutions, such as the St. Albans Historical Museum, as a primary example of how targeted giving can impact the state’s landscape.

“The measure of love is what you’d give up for it.”

Using a line from a 1950s film to underscore his point, Graffagnino asserts that true commitment to Vermont’s history is measured by tangible contributions rather than verbal praise. He argues against the common excuses for withholding funds—ranging from home maintenance to luxury travel—suggesting that those who choose to live and work in Vermont have a responsibility to support its historical ethos.

Professional Standards in Fundraising

Drawing on his experience holding state history administration roles in Wisconsin and Kentucky, Graffagnino discusses the complexities of board management and the ethics of solicitation. He notes that in his professional capacity, he often acted as a “bad cop” to boards, urging them to move past frugality to ensure organizational longevity. He recounts instances where board members assumed his requests for larger donations were directed at others, rather than themselves.

A central tenet of his approach to philanthropy is the requirement of personal investment. Graffagnino states that he maintained a strict rule: never asking anyone to contribute to a cause that he himself did not support financially. He notes that this stance has occasionally drawn criticism from professional counterparts who believe their labor and expertise should suffice as their contribution, a view he dismisses as “baloney.”

As a retiree, Graffagnino indicates that he and his wife, Leslie, continue to make what they consider respectable donations and have included cultural heritage bequests in their will. He encourages those in the Baby Boomer generation to follow this example, noting that as they have accumulated more wealth, they are in a better position to provide meaningful support than they were in their younger years.

The tension between the desire to preserve the past and the economic reality of maintaining historical sites remains a recurring theme in Vermont’s civic discourse. Graffagnino’s observations suggest that for the state’s 200-plus historical organizations, the path to sustainability lies not just in state support, but in the direct, decisive action of individual citizens.

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