North Attleborough Historical Society

May 2010

May 04, 2010

Annual Meeting
Something new is being tried this year: no meal, just desserts, business meeting and speaker. Please attend if possible. Date: Monday, May 17th. Where: the Masonic Lodge, North Attleborough. Parking behind the lodge. Time: 6:45 - 7:00 - arrive for desserts and coffee prepared by the Ladies of the Eastern Star. 7:00 - 7:30 - Business meeting. 7:30 - 8:30 Program. Richard Hughes returns to once again take us back to the time of silent movies and piano playing. There is no cost for the evening but donations will be gratefully accepted.
Welcome

To our new co-curator, Muriel Crockett. Muriel is a retired teacher, although one who keeps returning to the classroom. She has been active in our third grade programs and on the Board of Trustees. She is replacing retiring curator, Claire Harrison, who will also remain active in the society

Open House

Members friends and family are invited to attend an Open House at the Peck House, 2 Elizabeth St., Attleboro on Saturday, May 8 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

April Program

Our April program on Fred Holland Day was taped by North TV and is being broadcast on local channels. Check local listings.

Other Happenings in the Area
May 8, 9:00 - 2:00 P.M. - North Attleborough Historical Commission Yard Sale, 241 Draper Ave. 508-699-4335, $15.00.

May 10, 7:30 P.M. - Mansfield Historical Society Meeting

May 15, 6 AM - 8 P.M. , May 16, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Mansfield Antique Auto Show and Flea Market, Comcast Center (Great Woods)

May 16, 1:30 PM - Blackstone Valley Historical Society, National Park Ranger Chuck Arning

May 17 , 6:45 P.M. - North Attleborough Historical Society at Masonic Hall - Silent Film Night, Annual Meeting
May 18, 6:30 P.M. - Norton Historical Society - Combined meeting and meal with Land Preservation Society

May 20, 7:00 P.M. - Old Colony Historical Meeting - "Unfurling the Kathurah Reeve Bedcover: Candlewicking, Maritime Culture, and One Family's Legacy

May 22, 9:00 - 2:00. - N.A. Historical Society Yard Sale, $15.00 per space, contact Bob 508-695-6649

May 24 , 7:15 P.M. - East Providence Historical Society, East Bay Manor, 1440 Wampanoag Trail - Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Restoration
May 25, 7:30 P. M. - Foxboro Historical Society - Jack Authelet

May 26 , 7:00 P.M. - Johnston Historical Society, 101 Putnam Pike, Johnston, R.I. - George Sutcliffe, decorated World War II pilot.
May 29, 9:00 - 2:00 P. M. - N.A. Historical Society Yard Sale (rain date)

June 5 , 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. - Attleboro Historic Preservation Society - House Tour - $15.00/$18.00
June 14, 7:00 P. M. - Weaver Library, 41 Grove Ave. E. Providence, RI - "The Dorr Rebellion and True Rhode Island Heroes"

June 17, 10:30 A.M. to noon. - Norton Library, Isabella Stewart Gardner (re-enactor)
June 19 - Norton Historical Society Flea Market

This is one of those letters that has mixed emotions. The elation I feel with the first part is greatly quieted when I reach the second part. Let me explain.

The Board of Trustees is elated to have Muriel Crockett as our next co-curator to work with Dorothy Conroy. Muriel eagerly jumped at the opportunity and the Board eagerly accepted her letter of intent. I an certain the transition from Claire to Muriel will be smooth. Welcome, Muriel.

It is distressing for me to report to you that the Society has lost nearly $10,000.00 it had invested due to the economic times. Our investments are diversified and others are secure. This amount, invested with Smith Barney, took a severe hit. We have since moved the remaining funds locally until a plan is established to move forward. This amount lost was forty percent of our savings. We are not a wealthy Society, as some may believe. We have no endowments. As has probably happened in your home, our recent income has diminished while expenses have grown. Now, our expenses outdistance our income.

We were certainly grateful when many of you accepted the challenge to step forward for the furnace fund. You do respond for a cause and for that we are thankful.

There are multiple reasons why I tell you this. As an active member of this Society, you need to be informed. Our most immediate concerns are the continuation of having curators, who are the backbone of this Society, and the continuation of our visiting third grade program. Fortunately for us, area towns are beginning to realize the value of this third grade program and are working with us to help defray costs.

I ask that you all continue to support the Society, both through your contributions, and your attendance at events. Get the word out to those you know and see if joining is an interest to others. And I ask that, should any have any suggestions for fund raising, please bring them forth. Should any know of any areas in which we might secure grants and/or funding, please make them known also.

Working together is the path your Board of Trustees has adopted to follow.

Jim