The View from the Loggia
As I look out my office window, the trees are still green with only the barest of hints that Fall is in the offing. Certainly the temperatures over the past few days say Summer more than Autumn. That's okay. It won't be long before we're pining for longer days, warmer weather, and Spring.
Here at Tudor Hall, we're busy planning for the Fall Dinner and the 2024 Annual Appeal. Information about each of these can be found below. I should mention that the Fall Dinner is selling quickly so you'd be wise to make your reservations in ASAP.
A Gift of History and Music
Through the thoughtful generosity of the children of the late B. Kennedy Abell (particularly his daughter, Jenny McCabe), the Historical Society is the new home of a circa 1910 Grand Piano that once graced the lobby of the Hotel St. Mary's. The piano survived the 1956 fire which destroyed the hotel. Before the building was completely razed, the piano was moved to Mr. Abell's home on Washington Street. (The picture at the right is from the Washington Post. Flames can be seen clearly behind the piano on the hotel's first floor.)
We are deeply appreciative of being asked to provide a home for this piece of Leonardtown history. Those of you with memories of the St. Mary's Hotel may recall seeing it. In fact, should you - or know of someone who may - have pictures of the piano at the hotel, please let us know as we'd like to display them (click on the link to send an email).
Although the piano is now in Tudor Hall's parlor, we won't have the official unveiling until it has undergone a bit of cleaning, some minor repair, and, of course, tuning. Once that has been done, a formal announcement will take place - and, perhaps, a reception to welcome this piece of Leonardtown history to its new home. Plan to gather round it to sing Yuletide carols at a Christmas Open House in December.
It Now Easy to Pay Using Your Smartphone
Effective immediately, you can pay for reservations, membership renewals, bookstore purchases, and donations using either Google Pay or Apple Pay directly from your smartphone.
 Many us use phones instead of credit cards for transactions, both online and in-store. Though I am bewildered by technology from time to time, I could not live without Google Pay. It takes some setting up but has been a great convenience and is fully secure. In fact, I rarely use a credit card itself in shops, gas stations, or stores any longer.
So, if you want to get funds to us quickly and easily from your smartphone, now you can!
Sailing Full Circle with Captain Laaro
As mentioned above, reservations for the Fall Dinner on October 18th are now open. There appears to be a great deal of interest in meeting and listening to the Maryland Dove's new skipper, Angela Laaro, share her story.
Angela was graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland in '15 and has sailed the Great Lakes, the Caribbean, and up and down the Atlantic, including on the tall ship Lynx, a replica War of 1812 square topsail schooner as its Chief Mate.
A mailer announcing the Dinner has been sent to all members. But you can CLICK HERE to reserve online right now.
The Cost of "Doing History"
A lot of people are saying that the upcoming election in November is one of the most important in US history. Maybe. Then again, maybe not. What we do know is that the 2024 Annual Appeal is very important to the St. Mary's County Historical Society. 
"Why," you may ask? Well, there are several reasons--many of which relate to the costs of maintaining Historic Tudor Hall. Lovely as she is, Tudor Hall suffers like many old buildings. We've taken several steps to keep her spiffy yet signs of ageing are becoming increasingly apparent. From the deteriorating widow's walk and roof, to sagging floors and window casings, she demands increasing attention.
And, of course, programs and events have their costs. While we generally do not charge for events (other than the member dinners), keeping even a relatively austere schedule of events takes money. Volunteers and staff do most of the leg work, yet printing invitations, programs, fliers, and even hotel and lodging for guest speakers must be paid for. All of this falls under the heading of general operations.
A letter from Tim Heely, President, has been mailed to you. Please read it and give what you can to help the Historical Society do what we do. You can also donate if you'd like by clicking here.
And, of course, Thank You!
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