Historical Society Minutes
Historical Society Meeting Minutes 1/2/19
Attendance: Dustin Bowles, Deanna Tranfaglia, Lucy Gordon, Michelle York, Roger Maxfield, Chris Wittenberg and Liz LeBrun. New member Elizabeth Whitham was welcomed.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm.
The secretary’s report was read and Lucy moved to accept. Deanna seconded. Motion carries.
The treasurer reported a balance of $1644 also noting that the calendar sales have been very successful and raised a substantial amount.
Roger will call Canterbury to set up demonstrations and discussion of the Past Perfect software so we are informed about what components need to be purchased.
A 2019 warrant article has been submitted to withdraw money from the Town History Capital Reserve Fund to pay Melissa Moore for one year to begin writing the town history. Her contract is also written for one year with specifics as to what she will accomplish.
April 3 is a goal for our first 2019 educational presentation to the town. The NH Humanities Lecture entitled “Country Estates of New Hampshire” describes 1902-1913 abandoned farm real estate. Michelle will coordinate and see about getting a grant for the entire cost. There was interest in getting Mark Stevens back for a presentation in the fall.
On January 23, the Library is celebrating an anniversary of Loudon and has asked the Historical Society to be involved. Roger will take an enlarged map of the town along with the poster of our one room schoolhouses and will pinpoint for residents where they might have attended school. Deanna has volunteered to help.
There was discussion of the fundraising letter to be sent to businesses and individuals to help fund the Town History Book. We need a high quality letter with a return envelope. An acknowledgement of each contributor would be necessary.
It was questioned whether the book would go online and it was generally thought that it was a possibility after all the books are sold.
Members signed up to man the Historical Society during the Wednesday openings.
A motion was made by Chris Wittenberg to start the monthly meeting at 6:00 pm during the winter months. Second by Dustin. Discussion that some members could not make the earlier time. The motion was defeated.
Director Michelle York presented a DVD made by the town of Tamworth for their 250th celebration. We may want to do something similar and are open to ideas to get total town involvement for our 2023 celebration.
Last year much was accomplished including gaining the 501C3 status, beginning the production of the Town History and recruiting new members. The goal for 2019 will be Inventory.
We read a Ledger article about the first Made in Loudon Expo back in 2009 and look forward to carrying on the tradition.
Some housekeeping issues include fixing the overhead light on the pole outside. Stanley Prescott will be contacted concerning that. The former town office building has an open window underneath that makes it accessible for animals to go in and out.
The next meeting is February 6 at 6:30 pm. If Merrimack Valley School District is closed, the monthly meeting will be cancelled.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.
Liz LeBrun
Secretary