Hinesburg Historical Society

Minutes for September 25, 2008

Present: Jean Miner, Ann Thomas, John Roberts, Sue Roberts, Kitty LaClair, Bill Lippert, Marshall DeLaire, George Dameron

Members met at the Town Hall, where Jean Miner and Ann Thomas presented several historical pictures, cookbooks, scrapbooks, old newspaper clippings and other items for possible inclusion for display by the Historical Society at the Hinesburg Fall Harvest Festival.  It was suggested that eventually (or as opportunities arose) some of the members try to get together with folks that might possibly be able to identify people and buildings in the pictures.  Also, perhaps at a future meeting, members should try to decide what items need to be preserved and research applying for appropriate grants.  

John and Sue Roberts, using their laptop computer, showed pieces of the extensive work that they have been doing to record data pertaining to local cemeteries (Irish/O’Neill Cemetery and Burritt Road Cemetery).   John has organized cemetery information into a database that he has started including links to digital pictures he has recorded.  Discussion ensued as to an appropriate place (website) to host this database and concerns about privacy for Hinesburg citizens.  Jean recommended that the Cemetery Commissioners should be consulted.

Ann Thomas brought information about the Railroad (that never was built), Minutes from meetings, maps, and other records from the late 1890’s, showing the Railroad proposal, which was initially approval and then subsequently abandoned.

The above conversation evolved into a suggestion that the next meeting should be devoted to discussing the Historical Society’s website.  Additional future discussions should include placement of Historical Sight Markers, location of old school houses, possible tour of old Hinesburg houses and as mentioned above storage and preservation of historical society memorabilia and artifacts.

The next meeting of the Hinesburg Historical Society is scheduled for Thursday, October 23^rd at 7pm in the Town Hall.