The View from the Loggia
Peter LaPorte, Executive Director
That was fast!
For each of the six years that I've been with the Historical Society, I fret that we will fill the Olde Breton Inn at each of our Spring and Fall Dinners. But this year's Fall Dinner sold out quickly. That says volumes about your interest in our speaker, Captain Angela Laaro, the Maryland Dove, and your support for our dinner programs.
The video of Captain Laaro's presentation is available at our website by clicking here.
In fact, mindful of those of you who weren't able to secure a reservation, we want you to be there. Our dinners, particularly the Fall event, are opportunities to come together, to listen to interesting programs, to share stories, and to support the Historical Society's mission. With 410 of 700 Active members in the 206nn ZIP codes, We're looking for ways to open the doors wider.
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On a different note. We had what may have been a couple of acts of vandalism recently at Tudor Hall.
The first occurred in June or early July when we found the word "FAKE!" written on the Moll Dyer Rock - in candle wax no less. The Moll Cam - a camera that keeps an eye on the rock - didn't detect the culprit. Perplexing but no real damage was done and it was easily removed.
The second incident involved two large boxwoods that are outside the main entrance to Tudor Hall. It appears that someone was either pushed or did a "back dive" into the bushes - at least by the shape of the damage as you can see in the photo (the worst of the two).
So - we've placed two additional cameras and signage at Tudor Hall. Although cameras and signs won't prevent either vandalism or accidents, they have a good chance of letting us know who, when, and how should something occur.
Strategic Planning to Begin
Back in 2013, the Board developed a Strategic Plan which served the organization well for several years. Since then we’ve grown, taken on new challenges and opportunities, and had several successes and a couple of setbacks. Now, it’s time to sit down and think about where we’ve been and, more importantly, where we want to go. Thus, we are beginning a strategic planning effort which will unfold over several months.
It is important that your voice is heard in this process. Over the next few weeks, Members will be asked to give us their views in three surveys. The first concerns ways to ensure our financial health, the second asks for your thoughts on our programs and events, and the last concerns our website and how we communicate with you. Please, please take the five minutes needed to complete each of them as they arrive.
Former members and friends will be asked to complete a shorter survey. Please take the time to complete them. All replies are confidential.
The St. Mary's Hotel Piano
We reported last time that the family of the late B. Kennedy Abell, Jr. intended to donate a 1901 Grand Piano that once adorned the lobby of the St. Mary's Hotel in Leonardtown.
We're pleased to report that the piano is in place in Tudor Hall's parlor. Through a generous grant by the Leonardtown Arts & Entertainment Council, we will soon tune and clean the piano for an unveiling at a reception planned for November 21st. A separate email will provide full information.
We're still on the hunt for photographs of the piano when it was at the hotel. If you have any, please let us know by clicking here.
Shhhhhh. . .
Speaking about entertainment, you'll have the chance to play the piano or at least sing along to its music at the Christmas Open House scheduled for December 7th at 4:00pm at Tudor Hall. Now, it's much too early to even whisper the word Christmas (in our home, it is forbidden to make any reference to this holiday until after the Thanksgiving dessert has been eaten and dishes are done). But we want to be sure you don't miss what is becoming a most enjoyable tradition.
But, go ahead, mark your calendars now and well, yes, you can RSVP on our website if you'd like.
The 2024 Annual Appeal
To those who have donated to the 2024 Annual Appeal, we cannot thank you enough. As I write this, we have received slightly over $16,000 in donations.
To those of you who have yet to donate, please consider doing so. We cannot impress on you enough how important this year's appeal is. Your Historical Society has done more in 2023 and 2024 than many years in the past - from a new website, digital preservation of and access to our archives and family records (which continues), and repairs to Tudor Hall. Directors, volunteers, and staff have been working diligently to fulfil the promise of our Mission.
Please consider making a gift to preserve St. Mary's County History by clicking here.
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