The Monthly Newsletter of the St. Mary's County Historical Society SEPTEMBER 2023
| The 2023 Annual Appeal
By now, you will have received a letter from Historical Society President, Adm. Tim Heely (USN, Ret) about the 2023 Annual Appel. It is one of the most important annual appeals ever. Yes, all annual appeals are important, of course. But this year, we need to raise funds to keep an experienced Archivist on staff now and for the future.
Our Archivist, Elizabeth Mathews-Kern, is doing a great job as evidenced by the materials appearing on our website and being made accessible to Members and visitors at Tudor Hall.
Soon after joining us, Elizabeth recognized the scale of archival materials on hand at the Historical Society and their importance to the history of the people of County. In her words, "from an Archivist's perspective, you have a treasure-trove of material."
Among the many projects on which Elizabeth is working are a volume of eighty-seven oral histories graciously shared with the Historical Society by the UCAC (Unified Committee on Afro-American Contributions). Another sixty or so oral histories, videos and maps of the Lexington Park "Flattops" compiled in 2007 by St. Mary's County Commissioners are among the records available in our archives.
"These unique and valuable histories are of interest to everyone. Before the end of this year, we will showcase one if not both oral history collections on our website," said Elizabeth. "They are extraordinary."
To keep Members fully informed about the breadth and depth of the Historical Society's Archives, in late September Elizabeth will begin a twice-monthly blog on the website. "The blog will give Members insight to our collections, provide updates about the digitization project, exhibits that are in planning, and ask for comments and feedback," she said.
After moving to St. Mary's County earlier this year, Elizabeth volunteered as Archivist to stay active in her profession until she found a paying position. "I am very grateful to the Historical Society's Board for agreeing to compensate me for as long as my husband and I remain in the County," she said.
Having an Archivist on staff is essential to the future of the Historical Society. We are sure that you agree that work being done is more than enough reason to generously support the 2023 Annual Appeal
You can use the return mailer that accompanies Adm. Heely's letter or simply click on this button The 2023 Annual Appeal Whichever way works best for you is fine with us!
Please and thank you!
| Fall Dinner: Reserve a Table of Eight for Family and Friends!
November 3rd may seem far off but it really isn't. Eve Love is our speaker on "Before The Base" which she along with husband, John Cook, compiled and edited and was recently published by the Calvert Maritime Museum. We are sure it will be an interesting evening with lots of memories to share.
At each dinner, we are asked to reserve seats so friends can sit with friends. A couple of years ago, we tried to reserve individual seats for everyone. That turned into a logistical puzzle that neither we nor our trusty computers could wrestle with.
Nevertheless, we hear you. You want to sit with your friends. So, this year, we are going to try something new: introducing Table Sponsorships.
As a Table Sponsor, your $800 reservation (which includes a $360 tax-deductible donation to the Historical Society), guarantees a table for eight!
This is a great deal if you plan to go with friends and you want to sit together. First your table is reserved with your name on it. Second, you and your friends are guaranteed to sit together. Third, you are recognized as a Table Sponsor in the Program. Fourth, you know that your donation benefits the Historical Society's Help Our Society Fund. And fifth, you get a tax-deduction of $360*.
When you become a Table Sponsor, both you and the Historical Society benefit. If it is a popular choice this year, we will keep it going!
Reservations open September 13th. But don't wait until then. Talk to your friends - form a group - and on the 13th, become one of the first ever Table Sponsors. Information about each reservation level is available at 2023 Fall DinnerScroll down to review your choices.
*If the cost of a Table Sponsorship is shared and you want to distribute the $360 donation proportionately (equaling $360 / 8 = $45 per person), we will provide an acknowledgment to each person or couple of their donated amount. To do so, we must receive an email not later than November 15th with the full name(s) of each person or couple for whom an acknowledgement is requested. The email must come from the person who made the Table Sponsor reservation. Please send it to admin@stmaryshistory.org.
| Speaking about Archivists
We have often been blessed in finding talented volunteers for the Historical Society. Our newest, Maria Leighton, is just such a person.
Maria joined us in August as a volunteer Consulting Archivist. Like Elizabeth, she brings talent, enthusiasm and experience. Currently employed full-time as an Information Technology Specialist for the Charles County Government in La Plata, Maria served as Archivist at the College of Southern Maryland in La Plata. She has a Master of Science in Library and Information Science, and Archives Management from Simmons University in Boston and has worked with WGBH Media Library and Archives and the Boston City Archives.
Maria lives in Leonardtown and will collaborate with and assist Elizabeth in advancing several exciting projects that are underway or in planning.
Welcome to the team, Maria! | |