Thomas Breen Photo
Michael Morand documenting history in the Grove Street Cemetery.
Michael Morand has received a five-year appointment to do — officially — what he has done unofficially for years: reveal New Haven’s hidden past to the people of the present.
Mayor Justin Elicker announced Thursday that he has named Morand to the unpaid position of city historian through 2028.
Morand already serves as the unofficial person who either contacts people or receives inquiries to learn about New Haven’s past: the untold stories of Yale’s connections to slavery, the development of religious and academic institutions, the stories buried in Grove Street cemetery.
He does some of that in his day job as community engagement director of the Beiencke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. He worked with New Haven Museum on the current exhibition Shining Light on Truth; he has worked extensively with the various local historical societies affiliated with the Ethnic Heritage Center. Informally he hosts people from all walks of life to visit his Beinecke office to discover historical treasures and share his clear-eyed embrace of our city. (His social media feed documenting such visits will serve as an essential resource for local historians of the 22nd century.) A former alder, he has chaired or otherwise served on boards ranging from the Community Foundation to the Arts Council to the Dixwell Q House.
“Every time I speak with Michael Morand,” Mayor Elicker stated in the release announcing the appointment, “I learn something new and interesting about New Haven.”
The late Judith Schiff was the previous city historian.
Great Choice. Mike is one of the best.