By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield Historical Society has a new president.
West Peabody resident Ronald Sarro was elected as the Society’s 23rd president last month. He succeeds former Society President Linda Gillon, who led the nonprofit organization from 2018-2022.
In addition to Sarro, the Historical Society’s current board of directors consists of First Vice President Christine Noonan, Second Vice President Dianne Foulds, longtime Treasurer Bob Gillon, Secretary Shelley Lynch, Historian Roy Sorli, and directors-at-large Janet Everson, Fran Richard and Peggy Weikert.
Sarro introduced himself to the Historical Commission, a public body appointed by the Select Board, after the commission adjourned following a recent meeting. He recalled that he grew up in town and attended Lynnfield Public Schools.
“I went to Lynnfield schools from fifth grade to high school graduation,” said Sarro. “I went to Salem State where I met my wife, and we raised our family in West Peabody.”
Sarro recalled that he received a degree in Finance from Salem State College. He worked in the IT business, as an accountant and software engineer before becoming a scrum master, which he said is equivalent to being a project manager.
“I joined the Historical Society because I have always been a history buff,” said Sarro. “I would always look through the papers to see if there were any lectures coming up. I was ticked off after missing a lecture about Daniel Townsend. That led me to becoming a lifetime member.”
Sarro said he decided to “step up” and volunteer to serve as the Historical Society’s president after retiring two years ago. He recalled that the town and the Society have been at-odds over the past year-and-a-half. The Select Board severed ties with the Historical Society last August due to the nonprofit organization’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status getting revoked in September 2011. The Historical Society’s nonprofit status was revoked because Society officials did not file a Form 990-series return form for three consecutive years, and failed to file tax returns for several years.
The Society’s 501(c)(3) status was reinstated in September 2021, and the Society registered with the Attorney General Office’s Division of Public Charities in July 2021.
“I know a mess was created,” said Sarro. “Regardless of how we got here, we are going to move forward. It’s not right that the Society and the Historical Commission do not get along. We can get more done together.”
Sarro said his “biggest concern” is making sure the Society’s historic artifacts are “safe” in the Pope-Richard Lynnfield Historical Centre. He also wants the Historical Commission and Historical Society to work together on joint projects in the future.
“The Society’s first step is getting back on our feet right now,” said Sarro. “I don’t hold any grudges against anybody, and I hope nobody holds any grudges against me. I don’t have a big ego, and I am easy to get along with. I am here because I want us to work together.”
Sarro also said he wants the Society to be able to hold meetings and events at the Meeting House in the future.
Historical Commission Chairman Kirk Mansfield recalled that the town has “never denied” the Society from using the building.
“The Society is more than welcome to use the Meeting House,” said Mansfield.
Historical Commissioner Bob MacKendrick, who is also a member of the Society, called Sarro “a good guy.” He suggested that Sarro come up with a list of dates for when the Society would like to use the Meeting House.
Sarro expressed his support for MacKendrick’s suggestion.
Historical Commission member Steve Todisco said the board “welcomes” moving forward and having a productive relationship with the Society.
“We need to talk and have conversations,” said Todisco.
