CUNA Research Center and Ensweiler Library opens at America’s Credit Union Museum
MANCHESTER, NH (June 28, 2018) — The CUNA Research Library at America’s Credit Union Museum was unveiled yesterday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The new CUNA Research Center is a result of a $3.3 million campaign that completely renovated an unused building next to the Museum. Credit Union National Association (CUNA) was the lead sponsor with a gift of $1 million. Campaign funds will also be used for a second phase which will renovate the main Museum building; add new exhibits; and digitize documents so they can be made available to credit unions, credit union partners, and researchers across the county either physically or electronically.
At the ceremony, Michael L’Ecuyer, Chairman of the Museum and President/CEO of Bellwether Community Credit Union, thanked CUNA by saying, “Good trade associations are effective advocates for their constituents; great trade associations also develop and deliver relevant industry products and services to members. Exceptional trade associations do all of the above and while looking for opportunities to transform their industry. CUNA’s investment in the Museum was one of those opportunities. For that we are forever thankful.”
Jim Nussle, President and CEO of CUNA said, “Sometimes you go to a Museum and all you care about is the past. With the opening of the CUNA Research Center, it gives us the opportunity to talk about the future and to celebrate the innovative things credit unions are going to be able to do in the future. CUNA is honored to be part of this. We invite all credit unions to come to the CUNA Research Center to celebrate history and to get ready for an exciting future.”
The ceremony also featured a dedication of the Richard “Dick” L. Ensweiler Research Library. Dick Ensweiler, long-time credit union leader and recently retired CEO of the Cornerstone Credit Union League, and his family were present for the event. Dick remarked, “To see my name here is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. The spirit and energy I gave was because it was something I love.”
To schedule a tour of the Museum and CUNA Research Center or for information on becoming a sustaining member of America’s Credit Union Museum, contact Stephanie Smith at ssmith@acumuseum.org or (603) 629-1553.
Ribbon-cutting of the CUNA Research Center and Ensweiler Research Library at America’s Credit Union Museum in Manchester, NH. Left to Right, Director Jim Nussle, President/CEO of CUNA; Chairman Michael L’Ecuyer, President/CEO of Bellwether Community Credit Union; Director Ron Covey, President/CEO of St. Mary’s Bank Credit Union; Director Peter J. Lemire, Esq, Lemire Family Representative; former Director Dick Ensweiler, retired President/CEO of Cornerstone Credit Union League; Director Paul Gentile, President of Cooperative Credit Union Association; Director Bill Raker, President/CEO of Firefly Credit Union.
Dick and Judy Ensweiler outside the Richard L. “Dick” Ensweiler Research Library at America’s Credit Union Museum in Manchester, NH.
Jim Nussle, President/CEO of Credit Union National Association (CUNA) at the grand opening of the CUNA Research Center at America’s Credit Union Museum
About America’s Credit Union Museum
Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, where America's first credit union opened in 1908, America's Credit Union Museum is an exciting and dynamic organization that is no mere repository of documents and artifacts. In addition to celebrating the remarkable efforts of the people who built the credit union movement over the past 100+ years, it plays a leading role in documenting today's achievements while helping to prepare credit unions for upcoming challenges.
About Credit Union National Association (CUNA)
Credit Union National Association (CUNA) is the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America’s credit unions, which are owned by 110 million consumer members. CUNA, along with its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, delivers unwavering advocacy, continuous professional growth and operational confidence to protect the best interests of all credit unions. For more information about CUNA, visit cuna.org.
