City | 8:42 pm | April 16, 2012 | By

Archivist Judith Schiff named New Haven historian

Judith Schiff, the University's chief research archivist for 40 years, has developed a reputation as the foremost authority on Yale's traditions and history.
Judith Schiff, the University's chief research archivist for 40 years, has developed a reputation as the foremost authority on Yale's traditions and history. Photo by Vivienne Jiao Zhang.

Yale librarian Judith Schiff, known for her encyclopedic knowledge of the University’s history, will serve as New Haven’s next city historian, according to a Monday press release from City Hall.

Schiff has worked as the chief research archivist at Yale University Library’s Manuscripts and Archives for four decades. She grew up in New Haven and attended Hillhouse High School, located where Morse and Ezra Stiles Colleges now stand. She’ll serve as city historian until December 31, 2013.

“I am deeply honored and wish to thank Mayor DeStefano and friends who supported me in achieving this recognition and look forward to contributing to the planning for the celebration of our city’s 375th birthday in 2013,” Schiff said in the press release.

Schiff has previously worked with the Yale administration to celebrate events and anniversaries, like Elihu Yale’s 250th birthday and Noah Webster’s 250th birthday.

She succeeds Richard Hegel, who served as the city’s first historian until his death in February.

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