STAMFORD – The new executive director of the Stamford History Center has plans to energize and reengage residents and those interested in the city’s long history albeit as a part-time employee who will put in the time to get the job done.
“I have a small consulting practice,” said Mike Macari, the new executive director who is also founder, president and senior writer for MM Communications. “I have every reason to keep it (MM Communications of Stamford) alive as I need to. There are some people who depend on me. It (the new job) won’t interfere with my work there. Stamford History Center technically is considered a part-time assignment or appointment. You put in what is necessary. I’m excited for that.
“I’m an area business guy. I’ve been in business, whether it was the video or TV era or communications for a couple full decades. I’ve got a lot of energy and a lot of time. I consider both very relevant. I consider the Stamford History Center a long-time gig. I will use that (MMC) to benefit the History Center.
Macari is due to take the helm July 1, succeeding long-time director Tom Zoubek, who ran the center from 2002- 2026.
The only relationship MMC had with the Stamford History Center was a particular documentary Macari and local attorney Joseph Richichi did about veterans in Stamford.
“In 2014. I was approached by a local attorney to document some interview with war veterans,” he said. “A year later that turned into a documentary called, ‘Stamford: A Small Town Remembers.’ When we finished it and had some theatrical showings we donated the materials to the Stamford Historical Society.”
As for the center, Macari is passionate about preserving the history of the city he loves and has worked in for decades.
“Stamford has Puritan roots that go back to 1640,” Macari said. “When the land was purchased it had Native Americans. It went through an agriculture phase, an industrial phase. There was immigration. Then after World War II the town become a city. There’s a rich history to draw from.”
He told Westfair Business Journal that he wants to make the dissemination and preservation of Stamford’s history a more exciting experience.
“In my opinion, we have to make it interesting,” he said. “The center serves about 3,000 student a year who come to the Hoyt Barnum House, the 1699 House on premises. That’s great.”
But he wants to take the next step, which includes digitization of critical documents and photos owned by the center and getting the younger generation excited about the city’s history.
“I think there are events you can do that are family friendly, take things on the road,” Macari added. We need to elevate and reengage people. That’s kind of my mantra.
“I envision a field day with battle reenactments just like Ridgefield, Westport and Fairfield. “They have true field days. I want to do that whether it is on our grounds or at Columbus Park.”
