The Gingerbread Man dressed in Revolutionary War garb above is just one of the Historical Society's festive Christmas treats this year. The handsome fellow is standing guard in Leonardtown Square, alert for Mr. Scrooge or Mr. Grinch bent on spoiling Christmas. Volunteer Michelle Carroll along with help from Director Steve Gass brought the lad to life.
On December 3rd at Tudor Hall, the Board of Directors hosted a Volunteer Reception. Most folks arrived in time for the photo below but a few had to leave early and others arrived after the photo of Volunteers and Directors was taken.
We know that you appreciate the wonderful and selfless group of Volunteers working at the Historical Society. Here are some numbers reflecting what they do:
- There are twenty-five Volunteers in various roles, some involved with specific events only, others volunteering regularly in the Research Center, Archives, and on cataloging, digitization, and other projects
- Through the end of November, Volunteers gave a total of 2,762 hours to the Historical Society. These are the hours which they recorded; the actual total is closer to 3,000 - maybe more, and that number excludes the hours Board members spent on Historical Society work (after all, they're volunteers, too)
- Research Center Volunteers accounted for about 85% of total volunteer hours
- At $15 per hour, volunteers collectively donated around $41,500 worth of their time to the Historical Society
In addition to Volunteers, two smart and eager young Interns from St. Mary's College of Maryland spend as much time as they can working in Archives. Calista Kibak and Alexandra Cumber are guided by Director Tim Benson and, from afar, the Historical Society's Archivist-for-Life, Carol Moody. Both Calista and Alex are Seniors and intend to stay with us during their Spring Semester.
On the heels of the Volunteer Reception, the Fourth Annual Open House was held on Saturday December 6th, at Tudor Hall. Volunteer Karen Wood inspired this Advent gathering back in 2022. This year, over forty new and old members gathered. Karen and her team decorated the grand old building. Christmas music for the occasion was provided by Ellynne Davis and Lois Stephenson. You will find several photos further down in this newsletter.
The 2025 Annual Appeal Continues
Abundant thanks to all who have contributed to this year's Annual Appeal. At this writing, you have favored us with nearly $35,000 in caring and support. Thank you!
If you haven't yet donated, please consider doing so. We needn't repeat how vitally important your generosity is to continuing the operations of the Historical Society. Without your financial support, the unique and important role we play in preserving and inspiring curiosity about the County's past would be greatly diminished.
You will find a donation card at the bottom of this newsletter to download, print, and mail. Or, if you prefer, just click right here to go directly to the 2025 Annual Appeal donation page.
We need you. Please and thank you!
Is It Time to Renew Your Membership?
A large of memberships expire on December 31st. If yours is among them, please renew. You can do this online or by completing and mailing the Membership Form below.
And please don't forget that our Winter hiatus begins at the close of business on Friday, December 12th. During our absence, we will check email and, periodically, voice mail. If you have a special request, email is the best option. We will do what we can to help. But, please be patient if we don't get back to you right away.
We reopen Wednesday, February 18th.
Engineering Consultants at Tudor Hall
Building Conservation Associates and McMullan Associates were at Tudor Hall for two days measuring, videoing, photographing, tapping, analyzing, etc. in the first phase of the Engineering Assessment of our fine old building. Four consultants from the two firms (two from Virginia, two from Pennsylvania) went through the building with a fine toothcomb.
The assessment will take about four months to complete. We will keep you abreast of their activities as they unfold.
Past issues of the Tudor Hall Times can be found on our website under Publications