The Lower Merion Historical Society

Annual Meeting and Open House

April 19, 2009

Happy 60^th Anniversary !!!

Call to Order: Jerry Francis called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Opening Remarks by Jerry Francis: The State of the Society.

Our Mission Statement is “The Lower Merion Historical Society is an organization dedicated to ‘Preserving Our Past For The Future.’ This is accomplished by stewardship of local history, education of the community, preservation of historic resources and outreach to promote awareness of the cultural heritage of the Township of Lower Merion and the Borough of Narberth.”

Stewardship – demonstrated by our headquarters location here at the Lower Merion Academy where we have our Library Collections, our Archive Facility and an active acquisition and conservation programs.

Education – on going; for various age groups and educational levels – last year we hosted 31 programs/events.

Preservation of Historic Resources – hands-on approach…

Lower Merion Academy

·    Replacement and stabilization of the sun porch and windows (LM School District).

·    Landscaping of the terrace area (NCBC Beautification Group).

·    Re-engineering and upgrading to our Archive Room (LM Historical Society).

·    Discovery and restoration of the attic fireplace (LM Historical Society).

·    Exterior repair and painting this summer (LM School District).

Cynwyd Train Station

·       Recognized Sealord/Broadlands Financial Group for their financial management and their assistance in identifying a new general contractor.

·      Introduced Ned Stumpo of Stumpo Construction, our new general contractor.

·      Announced a $17,500 grant from Montgomery County for one-half the cost of a fire suppression service.

·      Announced a $17,500 grant from the Township for one-half the cost of a fire suppression service.

Outreach to Promote Awareness of Our Cultural Heritage – Lower Merion Township is now a Preserve America community, we are helping to build the Cynwyd Heritage Trail with the Cynwyd Station will be used as a Trail Head. We can’t forget our partners…some of them are here this afternoon, such as…our “Friends” from the Society of Friends, the Friends of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail, the Lower Merion Conservancy, Boy and Cub Scouts, Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd (Recognition at their July 4^th Patriotic Ceremony), Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Friends of the Autocar, etc.

AND…I thank our Board of Directors, our members, and our many volunteers who have made The Lower Merion Historical Society such a success. We are growing and doing quite well…thank you.

Election of Officers and Directors:

Ted Goldsborough, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, presented the following slate for consideration by the membership. Elections were held and the following Officers and Directors were elected.

Officers for a two-year term -

·      President: Gerald A. Francis

·      Vice President: Ross L. Mitchell

·      Treasurer: John B. Hagner

·      Corresponding Secretary: Stephen P. Selinger

·      Recording Secretary: Barbara McElroy

Director, Class of 2012 for a three-year term -

·      Dennis Montagna

·      Joanne Murray

·      Anna O’Hora

The following reports were deferred to the June 18, 2009 Executive Board Meeting:

·      Presentation of "2008 Financial Review Report"

·      Review of "2009 Statement of Financial Position"

·      Approval of "2009 Budget"

Respectfully Submitted by Jerry Francis.

The Executive Board Meeting adjourned at 12:30pm and the Open House/60^th Anniversary Party followed immediately afterward.