Lyme Historians
Lyme Center Academy Building
Annual Meeting Minutes
May 16, 2010 * 3:00 p.m.
Present: Board members: Steve Alden, Simon Carr, Jane Fant, Elizabeth Kilmarx, Bill
Murphy, Sallie Ramsden, Laurie Wadsworth, and Nancy Wray. A number of regular
members. Speaker, Jere Daniell, emeritus Dartmouth College history professor
President’s Report: (Jane Fant)
Jane welcomed members of the Lyme Historians and speaker, Jere Daniell. She then proceeded to give a brief review of the Historians’ accomplishments over the past year as well as a preview of some upcoming activities.
Horse Sheds: The Historians completed work on refurbishing three of the horse sheds on the Lyme Common, and have installed a display of old tools and farm equipment. The horse sheds will be open during flea markets on the last Saturday of each month from May through September, and also for selected special events, such as church suppers. Interested and knowledgeable volunteers are requested to act as guides.
Lyme Room: The Historians set up the Lyme Room downstairs in the Converse Free Library, with books and other information on Lyme and New Hampshire history, as well as items from the Morning Star Grange. If there is enough interest, Librarian Betsy Eaton may be starting a Genealogy Club.
Cellar Holes: Adair and Steve have continued this multi-year project, documenting cellar holes in the Town Forest, Trout Pond Forest and elsewhere in Lyme.
Museum: Sallie has taken down the “Something Shocking” exhibit of historic undergarments, and will soon be installing a new exhibit.
Rufus Porter Mural Tour: On Saturday, August 14, 2010, the Historians will sponsor a self-guided tour of four locations with murals by 19th Century itinerant artist, Rufus Porter. The tour will start with a talk at the Academy Building from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. by Porter expert, Linda Lefko. Following the talk, participants will be able to visit the murals at the featured homes – two in Lyme, one in Orford, and a fourth in North Haverhill. Participation will be limited and those interested are encouraged to sign up early. The cost to participants will be $20 for Lyme Historians members and $25 for non-members. The Historians will also have box lunches available for purchase. Anyone who volunteers ahead of time to serve as
a host for half a day at one of the homes can take the tour for free. A brochure with more details will be sent to Historians members within the next couple of weeks.
Board Membership: Jane reported that during the past year the following members have left the board: Marcia Armstrong, Julie O’Hara, Judy Russell, Mary Simmons, and Doug Wise. Nominations for new board members Tim Cook, Linda Southworth, and Nancy Wray as At Large members, and Elizabeth Kilmarx as Secretary were unanimously approved. Jane Fant will continue as President, Simon Carr as Treasurer, and Sallie Ramsden as Museum Director, with Laurie Wadsworth At Large. Steve Alden will continue to oversee Membership; Adair Mulligan, Publications; Bill Murphy, Education.
Treasurer’s Report: (Simon)
The Historians financial situation is excellent, with $11,000 in checking and CDs and ample money in the John K. Wright Memorial History Prize fund. The primary expenditure in the past year was in getting the horse sheds restored at a cost of approximately $3,600.
Following the Treasurer’s report the official meeting was adjourned and Jane introduced Jere Daniell, who spoke on the incorporation of the Town of Lyme and other Upper Valley towns.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elizabeth Kilmarx, Secretary
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