EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING President Jerry Francis called the meeting to order at 2:10 P. M. TedGoldsborough led the Pledge Allegiance to the flag. President Jerry Francis addressed the state of the Society with the 2002report. The By Laws state that we remain focused on our MissionStatement of "Preserving Our Past For The Future". Stewardship of localhistory, education of the community, preservation of historic resources,and outreach to promote awareness of our cultural heritage are goalsthat were achieved in the past year. Also, in the recent issue of theMain Line Life newspaper, they reported on the progress ofrenovation/construction work at the Academy building. Stewardship Ð We have a written policy on how to collect, manage, andconserve materials in our various collections. Our holdings are beingcatalogued into a data management and control system and then loadedonto our website for users to access. Many of our collections arecurrently available on our website. To name a few of these collections,we have our "General Reference," "Roberts Family Papers," "Lower MerionLiterary Company," "Dr. Edward H. Snow," " W. Robert Swartz," "VerticalFile," "PRR Atlases," "Main Line Maps," and "Main Line Burial Records." Education Ð In 2002, the Society sponsored 52 lectures or eventsattended by over 3,000 individuals. Currently, Ted Goldsborough isworking on 12 bus tours of 4th grade students to be done in one month.In May, inter-generational interviews will be conducted in the 4thgrades. 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 tothe community. One volunteer a year is our focus and this year it isCharlie Timm. Jerry Francis presented Charlie Timm with a thank you giftfor his interest and years of loyalty to the Society. Our Electronic Library is located at "LowerMerionHistory.org." JerryFrancis read some testimonials from people grateful for our internetservice. During the last 120 days, our site has had an average of 156visitors 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 isThe Library of Congress. Also, last year we logged over 130e-mail inquiries requesting addition information. Preservation Ð The Academy, which is now on the National Register ofHistoric Places, is being renovated into a Conservation Center for ourArchive Collections. The Society is a member of "The ConservationCenter for the Arts and Historical Artifacts," who have just completed atour and evaluation of our facility and of our collections. Conservationis an ongoing process which will require learning and attention torecommended policies and procedures. Outreach Program : "The Heritage Federation" will be a rolling 5 yearprogram. When our new headquarters is completed, the Township of LowerMerion, the Lower Merion School District, the Merion Friends Meeting,and others, will use our facilities to store their archivecollection(s). When fully implemented, the Federation will be atwo-tiered program composed of the "Partnership" and the "Fellowship"Programs. Financial Report: Jack Hagner presented a 4 page report on the 2002financial position of the Society and a 3 page budget for 2003. Thereport has not been audited yet but will be. It was moved and secondedto approve the report and budget. Both were accepted unanimously. Academy Renovations: Ross Mitchell explained the Phase II project. Sofar 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 andconsultants. Ross has made appeals to local foundations in hopes offilling the budget gap before the work is finished. Jerry Francisreminded us that three years ago many voiced the opinion that such anaggressive Academy Renovation Project could not be done. WeÕve almostcompleted and are now closing in on final funding. Throughout theproject, the State L&I, the Township and School District have been veryreceptive and helpful. Election of Officers: Ted Goldsborough thanked the outgoing Officers,Mickey Shumway and Stella Gabuzda and noted our good fortune to have somany great volunteers. The Nominating Committee's slate of Officers for 2 years:
The Nominating Committee's slate for Directors for the Class of 2006 fora 3 year term:
New Business: Jerry Francis introduced Andy Amsterdam, ExecutiveDirector of Franklin Maps who brought 2 framed samples of the 1851 JohnLevering Map. These color reproductions are printed on canvas withpigment ink to guarantee it will not fade for 100 years. The prints willbe sold and part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to theSociety. A bus tour to Stenton is scheduled for Sunday, June 8th from 2:00 to5:00 PM. The dedication of a Roadside Historic Marker at the Autocar location inArdmore will be on Saturday, September 20th. Details to follow. Ask The President: Jerry Francis answered questions about therenovation/construction activities that are currently occurring at theAcademy building. Also, over the summer, the School District will beworking on the exterior of the Academy by replacing rotted window sillsand adding a fresh coat of paint. The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 PM. Chris Jones introduced Bruce Gill, Director and Curator of HarritonHouse, for the Presentation "Harriton House, Then and Now". Respectfully Submitted |