Hinesburg Historical Society

Minutes for October 23, 2008

Present: Jean Miner, Melody Miner, Ann Thomas, John Roberts, Sue Roberts, Kitty LaClair, Marshall DeLaire, Aaron Kimball, Gill Coates, Jane Sheldon, Jan Rabelich 

Members met at the Town Hall.  Jean Miner read a letter from Bill Doyle, Professor, who teaches Politics and Government Courses at Johnson State College.  Prof Doyle’s letter explained that he has a class of students who are creating films/DVD’s which show histories of each county in Vermont.  They are currently working on “Life in Chittenden County” and would like the Hinesburg  Historical Society to participate.  Students are particularly interested in interviewing (filming) long time residents to learn how they lived, worked (farmed), and what they did for entertainment years ago.  It was decided that Jean should send a positive reply highlighting some of the old pictures and materials that Ann Thomas has saved on DVD and also to suggest possible residents to interview (Caroline Harvey, Carroll Devoid, Jean Miner).

Proposed bylaws for the Hinesburg Historical Society were presented by Ann Thomas and discussed by the group.  The consensus of the group is that anyone can be a member of the Hinesburg Historical Society and that we should not require payment of dues.  Lengthy discussion concerning how to organize and need for non-profit corporate status for tax exempt status for public donations (possible future fundraiser activities) ensued.  Also need for any monies depends on what we would like to do – become a member of the Vermont Historical Society?, participate in the Vermont History Expo at Turbridge in June?, preserve artifacts (need for materials)?, correspondence?, etc.  It was decided that we would request some start up support ($500) from the Town of Hinesburg’s Select Board.  

It was deemed critical that we include our purpose (Mission Statement) with the Bylaws.  See Ann Thomas and Jean Miner for wording.  

Perhaps, approved Hinesburg Historical Society Bylaws could be submitted and published in the November 5, 2008 Hinesburg Record – see Ann Thomas for final wording of Bylaws.

Interim officers were nominated and approved:

President – Jean Miner

Vice President – Ann Thomas

Secretary/Treasurer – Maggie Gordon in absenteeism – only if Maggie agrees)

These officers will preside until the Annual Meeting in January at which time new officers (or these three) will be nominated and elected.

Other discussion included:

Need to make it a priority to interview and video tape conversations with our older Hinesburg residents. 

Ann Thomas will let us know the date for the One Day Museum.  

Listing the Hinesburg Historical Society webstie address in the Hinesburg Record (hinesburghistoricalsociety.com)

Need to make a list of resources that different members have or know about and the location of these resources.

In the future monthly agendas should be considered and topics scheduled - preferable on a quarterly basis.  At next meeting let’s brainstorm and create a list of ideas (ex: visit older houses).

Ann Thomas gave a brief description of the Vermont historical information available to the public at the Bailey Library at UVM.  John Roberts has put some pictures on a site called the Hinesburg Flicker site – see John for more info about this site.

Next Meeting will be held December 11, 2008 at 7 p.m. in the Wainer Learning Center at the Hinesburg Community School. No November meeting.  Ann Thomas is planning to put together a presentation using the big screen in the Learning Center to show us some of Hinesburg’s Ancient Roads.

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