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EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING President Jerry Francis called the meeting to order at 2:10 P. M. Ted Goldsborough led the Pledge Allegiance to the flag. President Jerry Francis addressed the state of the Society with the 2002 report. The By Laws state that we remain focused on our Mission Statement of "Preserving Our Past For The Future". Stewardship of local history, education of the community, preservation of historic resources, and outreach to promote awareness of our cultural heritage are goals that were achieved in the past year. Also, in the recent issue of the Main Line Life newspaper, they reported on the progress of renovation/construction work at the Academy building. Stewardship Ð We have a written policy on how to collect, manage, and conserve materials in our various collections. Our holdings are being catalogued into a data management and control system and then loaded onto our website for users to access. Many of our collections are currently available on our website. To name a few of these collections, we have our "General Reference," "Roberts Family Papers," "Lower Merion Literary Company," "Dr. Edward H. Snow," " W. Robert Swartz," "Vertical File," "PRR Atlases," "Main Line Maps," and "Main Line Burial Records." Education Ð In 2002, the Society sponsored 52 lectures or events attended by over 3,000 individuals. Currently, Ted Goldsborough is working on 12 bus tours of 4th grade students to be done in one month. In May, inter-generational interviews will be conducted in the 4th grades. Mickey Shumway is in charge of the program and needs volunteers. The Library at Ashbridge is open to the public every Thursday afternoon. The volunteer librarians who staff this site do a wonderful service to the community. One volunteer a year is our focus and this year it is Charlie Timm. Jerry Francis presented Charlie Timm with a thank you gift for his interest and years of loyalty to the Society. Our Electronic Library is located at "LowerMerionHistory.org." Jerry Francis read some testimonials from people grateful for our internet service. During the last 120 days, our site has had an average of 156 visitors per day, an average of 990 pages read or downloaded per day, and an average of 2,445 hits per day. The biggest user of our website is The Library of Congress. Also, last year we logged over 130 e-mail inquiries requesting addition information. Preservation Ð The Academy, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places, is being renovated into a Conservation Center for our Archive Collections. The Society is a member of "The Conservation Center for the Arts and Historical Artifacts," who have just completed a tour and evaluation of our facility and of our collections. Conservation is an ongoing process which will require learning and attention to recommended policies and procedures. Outreach Program : "The Heritage Federation" will be a rolling 5 year program. When our new headquarters is completed, the Township of Lower Merion, the Lower Merion School District, the Merion Friends Meeting, and others, will use our facilities to store their archive collection(s). When fully implemented, the Federation will be a two-tiered program composed of the "Partnership" and the "Fellowship" Programs. Financial Report: Jack Hagner presented a 4 page report on the 2002 financial position of the Society and a 3 page budget for 2003. The report has not been audited yet but will be. It was moved and seconded to approve the report and budget. Both were accepted unanimously. Academy Renovations: Ross Mitchell explained the Phase II project. So far we have $340,000 of the necessary funding with the balance of $32,000 yet to be raised. Most moneys have been spent on architects and consultants. Ross has made appeals to local foundations in hopes of filling the budget gap before the work is finished. Jerry Francis reminded us that three years ago many voiced the opinion that such an aggressive Academy Renovation Project could not be done. WeÕve almost completed and are now closing in on final funding. Throughout the project, the State L&I, the Township and School District have been very receptive and helpful. Election of Officers: Ted Goldsborough thanked the outgoing Officers, Mickey Shumway and Stella Gabuzda and noted our good fortune to have so many great volunteers.
The Nominating Committee's slate of Officers for 2 years:
The Nominating Committee's slate for Directors for the Class of 2006 for a 3 year term:
New Business: Jerry Francis introduced Andy Amsterdam, Executive Director of Franklin Maps who brought 2 framed samples of the 1851 John Levering Map. These color reproductions are printed on canvas with pigment ink to guarantee it will not fade for 100 years. The prints will be sold and part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Society. A bus tour to Stenton is scheduled for Sunday, June 8th from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. The dedication of a Roadside Historic Marker at the Autocar location in Ardmore will be on Saturday, September 20th. Details to follow. Ask The President: Jerry Francis answered questions about the renovation/construction activities that are currently occurring at the Academy building. Also, over the summer, the School District will be working on the exterior of the Academy by replacing rotted window sills and adding a fresh coat of paint. The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 PM. Chris Jones introduced Bruce Gill, Director and Curator of Harriton House, for the Presentation "Harriton House, Then and Now".
Respectfully Submitted |