June 19: the State of the Historical Society

Past event
Jun 19, 2019, 7 to 8:30 PM

Craftsbury Historical Society - June 19, 7 pm, at the Museum.

Residents may have taken note of my description of the 'State of the Society' piece I wrote for the Town Meeting Bulletin in March. To reiterate, I stated that 'we've slowed down somewhat', due to a number of issues that are having an effect on our activities this summer. The individuals on our Board who have long provided guidance and energy in support of our activities and mission, have all served many terms beyond their initial appointment, and we are now at a point where we express profound gratitude for their service, and look for a new generation of Trustees who are willing commit to carrying the mission into the future.

As I write this, I can't be sure that those people exist. Here's my reasoning: few local people come to visit the museum when we're open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Those that do come are often our loyal cohort of summer folks, and other visitors from 'away'. The table that is set up at Town Meeting is a very quiet place to sit, with few people coming to interact, or express interest in the Society's activities. And while our summer programs are usually well attended, there again those present are to a large extent people here for a limited time in the summer; full-time residents are in a definite minority.

So, the Craftsbury Historical Society is at a crossroads. I am proposing the evening of Wednesday, June 19th, at 7 pm, in the museum, for anyone with interest in the Society to come together and discuss the present situation, and to perhaps provide some ideas as to the course the CHS might follow as it looks towards an uncertain future. Should the museum only be open on a 'by appointment only' basis? If not, we'll need volunteer docents to keep it open. What suggestions might folks have that might help us relate in meaningful ways with our residents who are clearly not feeling a connection with Craftsbury's historical past? How can we identify people who might be willing to take an active role membership affairs, program planning, or in caring for and helping to catalog our collection?

We hope to have a good turnout at this upcoming meeting. For questions or comments, contact Don Houghton, don_houghton@yahoo.com, or 766-6178.

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