ASHLAND — Sara Fisher first became entranced with history because she wanted to be part of “telling the story of us.”
By that, she is referring to the story of how a community has gotten to where it is now, and how that will inform the future.
In her new role as executive director of the Ashland County Historical Society (ACHS), Fisher will have a chance to help tell that story locally. She said her career in museums began in local history, and she’s excited to return back to that love.
“My heart really is in the local history … That’s why I made that leap in and came down here to Ashland — because there’s so many stories to tell and so many ways to engage with our communities,” Fisher said.
Prior to starting at the ACHS, Fisher was the executive director at the International Women’s Air and Space Museum in Cleveland. A press release from the ACHS stated she’s worked with over 40 local history organizations over the past decade.
(Below is a copy of the press release from the ACHS.)
Fisher officially started the new job Jan. 13. She worked alongside former executive director Jennifer Marquette for the first two weeks on the job.
Marquette had served as the Ashland County Historical Society’s executive director since 2019. She spearheaded the effort to preserve and open the Freer Home while she was the executive director. Marquette is retiring.
Stepping into her new role
Fisher, for her part, said she feels welcomed by the staff and board at the ACHS.
“Looking to that more immediate future, I’m really looking forward to working with the team here to expand the histories and the experiences that we are sharing and telling, and really engaging with our communities to look farther afield,” Fisher said.
“Whether it’s through creating that sense of place for any new businesses that may be coming into the county, to help(ing) those senior staffers and those employees understand: here’s our community. Here’s that vibrant historical thread that you are now a part of.”
For now, the ACHS will continue hosting monthly trivia at Ohio Fire, offering tours Tuesday through Friday and has its 2025 speaker series ready to go. She encouraged those interested in engaging with the historical society to visit its website.
Next year, 2026, is set to be a banner year locally and nationally, Fisher said. In Ashland, the ACHS will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026. It will also be the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Fisher said both events mean an exciting year ahead for the ACHS.
