Dear Friends,

Over the past weeks, I’ve been drawn regularly to a few particular places in the vastness of Hildene: the quiet of the boardwalk in winter, the rambunctiousness of the goat dairy, and the warmth of Robert and Mary’s home — especially the second-floor exhibit on Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. I was struck by one line in particular that conveys Lincoln's desire to develop a sense of shared purpose for an exhausted nation: With malice toward none; with charity for all. These simple, but powerful words guide me not only as I reflect upon Lincoln as a man of remarkable generosity of spirit, but also as I come to understand Hildene, our work together, and Hildene's role in the broader world.

Early in the month — on what was only the fifth day of my tenure — Governor Scott and his cabinet descended upon Hildene for a meeting followed by a day of travel across Bennington County to engage with constituents. Beyond my delight that the government was quite literally coming to the people, I was struck by the governor’s quiet thoughtfulness. Despite the long drive from Montpelier, he arrived early to tour Robert and Mary’s home. His warmth towards my colleagues and me was immediate. And he arrived, unassumingly, in a Ford F-150. 

As the governor and several cabinet members toured the home with our extraordinary Gary Parzych, his sense of wonder was palpable — especially when we lingered in the room honoring Abraham Lincoln’s pithy and profound Second Inaugural Address. 

Later, in Lincoln Hall, with the Taconic Range spread before us, the governor asked me to sit beside him. He welcomed me into a conversation that unfolded as each state secretary shared plans for meeting with and learning from constituents across the county. As this eclectic group spoke, comments reflected care for the constituency they serve and respect for each other. A palpable sense of shared purpose emerged. They were, quite simply, in this together. Governor Scott ceded the floor to his people, and the cabinet’s respect for his leadership was unmistakable. With malice toward none; with charity for all. 

That visit has guided me as I work to build upon Hildene’s historic culture of collaborative service. Of course, this includes how our staff works together to ensure visitors are treated with kindness. But it also speaks to something larger: how everyone involved in Hildene — professionals, volunteers, and guests alike — is inspired to live life with shared purpose, courage, and yes, charity. 

Not surprisingly, I’ve been deeply gratified as I’ve immersed myself in work with Hildene’s thoughtful, committed board. I’ve also been thrilled to witness a staff defined by generosity, collaboration, and the capacity to disagree productively and reach consensus. Whether we’re charting the future of cheesemaking in our creamery, determining the layout and composition of the new orientation center on the lower level of Lincoln Hall, or finding new ways to make the dene more accessible for members who walk and recreate on our trails, the work is steady, spirited, and shared. 

Working alongside those who care so deeply about Hildene feels as convivial and purposeful as that cabinet meeting a few weeks ago. I feel very lucky. 

When I zoom out to consider the broader challenges facing our world — gridlock over health care, persistent international tensions, families and communities divided by partisanship, suffering far and wide — I’m convinced that Hildene has never been more important. Our task is not only to preserve this place, but to ensure its values are made manifest in every action and every program. As we shape Hildene’s future together, we must keep a singular objective at heart: that this place fully lives its public purpose. 

We will not finish this work. But, as Lincoln reminds us, we can strive on together. In doing so, we ensure that care for this place — and belief in the values that undergird it — continues unabated, long into the future. 

Thank you for being part of Hildene’s story, and my very best wishes to you for a happy, healthy new year.

With gratitude,

Craig Gemmell