Hinesburg Historical Society
Minutes for January 22, 2009
Present: Jean Miner, Ann Thomas, John Roberts, Sue Roberts, Marshall DeLaire, Suzanne Richard, Aaron Kimball, Gill Coates
Jean presented a summary of the year’s events for 2008:
Purpose – Mission – to preserve the History of Hinesburg, to collect and organize any artifacts and written or oral statements pertaining to the history of Hinesburg. (In the summary Maggie Gordon wrote, the 2nd paragraph states that at the annual meeting the president shall report on the activities of the past year. Therefore, please bear with me.
In response to the notice I put in the May 2008 Hinesburg Record inviting all those interested in a reorganization of the Historical Society, 17 people met on June 26, 2008. A discussion followed of our purpose and ways in which we could achieve this. It was agreed that we would meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00-9:00 pm. The meeting room is available on this evening.
The July 24th meeting was held in the vault of the Town Clerk’s office. I explained how to do research in the records.
The August 28th meeting was a trip to the Gilman Road and McEuen-Milham Cemeteries (any other such trips should be earlier when days are longer).
Sep 25th we looked at pictures, books, histories to determine our display for the Fall Festival. This was quite successful with a lot of people stopping in. (Should we have had a sign in?)
At the Oct 23rd meeting proposed by-laws were discussed. Temporary officers were elected. President – Jean Miner, Vice-President – Ann Thomas, Secretary/Treasurer – Maggie Gordon. Maggie has not been able to attend all meetings so Kitty Laclair has filled in for her. It was suggested that we apply to the Select Board for $500. I filled out the form, Maggie was present, and a preliminary meeting in which the feeling was not to approve anymore requests at that time. However, Jeanne said that it would still be submitted at the budget meetings. I’m not very optimistic. It was decided not to hold a meeting in November. Stay tuned.
Dec 11th meeting had only 6 members, it was a cold, snowy night with a forecast for heavy snowfall. We did not discuss the website, preferring to do it when a much larger group is present. Ann Thomas gave us a very interesting look into the digital archives at the school. We also spoke of plans for the One-Day Museum to be held on Jan 31st.
I feel that we have certainly gotten off to a very good start and hope that we will gather momentum and new members in 2009.
I have received a complimentary copy of Johnson College of Vermont History & Government class’s DVD – “Life in Chittenden County”. Perhaps at a future meeting this can be shown. With it came a suggestion that we might want to use it as a fund-raiser.
A side note was added that the table at the Fall Festival generated a fair amount of interest and a sign-up list might be part of the display next year to record who was interested in what topics. This could help generate additional members and possible projects.
New business:
The current slate of officers will continue.
Suzanne and Ann provided an overview of the One Day Hinesburg Museum. It was not clear if food will be part of the even or not. Deb Bissonette will be asked.
Jean has a coy of the “Life in Chittenden County”. With the use of a DVD player it was suggested that a viewing be offered at Kelly’s Fields to accommodate the residents who have interest in the town history, but are less mobile. Jean also has a DVD containing the project done by a student at St. Mike’s, which may lend itself to a project.
Aaron was interested in assembling a walking tour along Main Street (Route 116). This has been considered as a project for the Steering Committee as well. There is general interest to tour older houses in and around Hinesburg.
Some discussion was focused on the work of the Ancient Roads Committee. Ann assured us that documentation of the research will be recorded and made available.
Various attending members talked of what they might bring to the One Day Museum related on on-going projects.
Ann suggested a display case in the entryway of the Town Hall. She has sketched a design for a looking glass case to provide a viewing of some of Jean’s items.
Aaron made the point that in 2012, it would be the 250th anniversary of Hinesburg. He suggested that events be planned each month. It was noted that they not necessarily be costly events. An example was the beard growing contest that took place for the town's 200th anniversary.
A question was raised about participation in the 4th of July celebration. A float was considered. More discussion to follow.
Next meeting is scheduled for Feb 26, 2009 at 7 PM at the Town Hall.