Richmond Historical Society October 12, 2023 1:30 p.m. Richmond Public Library
Attendees: Fran Heap, Bonnie McCarthy, Wendy O’Brien, Suzen Perry, Lenny Solomon and Susan Opal Wyatt. Lenny Solomon called the meeting to order at 1:34 p.m.
Minutes: Fran Heap made a motion to accept the September 14, 2023 minutes. The motion was seconded by Bonnie McCarthy and passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Suzen Perry reported that there is $9,960.77 in the NHPDIP account and $372.78 in the TD Bank account. Bonnie made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Lenny seconded the motion and it passed.
Quaker Cemetery Fund: Bonnie reported that she and Jerry Merrifield did not attend the Selectmen’s meeting, as Dick Drew commented that New Hampshire RSA XXVI 289:3 prohibits excavation within 25 feet of a known burial. This means that the headstones cannot be lowered. Bonnie stated that Bob Gow is tracking his work hours in the Quaker Cemetery separately so that there is a possibility of using the fund for reimbursement to the Town for Bob’s work. Suzen would like more information on how much the Town spends annually for upkeep of the Quaker Cemetery. It was decided that Wendy O’Brien will reinvite the Cemetery Trustees to attend the next RHS meeting on November 2 to discuss further plans.
Town Forest Walk Follow-up: Members present commented on how they enjoyed both Karen O’Brien’s and Dick’s presentations. Fran suggested that each October the RHS sponsor a walk to a local cemetery.
Town Anniversary: Fran passed around some of the photographs that Marie Knowlton had donated to the RHS of the 250th anniversary of the Town founding in 2002. Fran pointed out that the 275th anniversary will be in 2027, and she would like to begin planning. It was mentioned that it would be important to involve the Town’s Selectmen, Committees and Commissions.
NH Humanities Cemetery Lecture Follow-up: Members present commented on the quality of the presentation. Lenny commented that additional reminders about RHS events need to be posted, especially on Facebook. He would also like to invite members of area historical societies to attend. It was suggested that an RHS donation basket be available at future events.
Curtain/Moose Plate Grant Funds: Lenny passed around a copy of the proposed brochure about the restored curtains, designed by Jeani and Rosti Eismont.
Old Business: None.
New Business:
Donation: Susan Opal Wyatt donated some materials regarding the 4 Corners redevelopment that had been given to her by Sandra Gillis. It was decided to place the materials in the Town Archives.
Town Funding: Lenny mentioned how other area historical societies receive some sort of funding from their hometown, sometimes even leasing a building at low or no cost. Lenny suggested that members think about the possibility of requesting funds from the Town on the warrant for Town Meeting.
Supporting Membership: It was suggested that a supporting level of membership be added at a lesser amount, such as $15 or $20.
Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 2, from 1:30-2:30 at the Library.
Adjournment: Bonnie made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Suzen and passed. The meeting was adjourned at 2:51 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Wendy O’Brien, Secretary