Massena town historian resigns, replacement sought

BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

MASSENA — Massena Town Historian Joshua Davis has announced his resignation.

The announcement came during the town board’s May 18 meeting, at which time Town Supervisor Sue Bellor took a moment to acknowledge Davis’ efforts.

Davis’ resignation was effective May 19, according to his resignation letter submitted to the board.

The move to resign comes in light of changes in his personal life, Davis wrote.

“I would like to take this time to thank the board for this opportunity and for supporting my work through this exciting year,” he said.

Davis assumed the role after former historian MaryEllen Casselman retired on April 30, 2022.

Town officials say they will begin advertising for Davis’ replacement in the near future.

“We do want to thank Josh publicly for all the work he has done. I know he’s done some public engagements for the Rotary, for the hospital and a few other things. He’s done a really nice job,” Bellor said.

In other action, the town board also approved hiring Krista Briggs to serve as the Massena Public Library director.

In doing so, officials also approved a resolution to waive the residency requirement for Briggs.

Briggs brings a great deal of experience to the role and stood out among a large pool of applicants, according to Bellor.

Briggs will assume the role after current Public Library Director Elaine Dunne retires on June 30.

Also retiring from the library is Deborah Fuehring, who has served nearly 28 years at the Massena Public Library in various roles.

Dunne served more than 20 years at the library, officials say.

Officials say a retirement reception will be held on June 7 from 4-6 p.m. to honor Dunne and Fuehring, who is retiring effective May 31.