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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Somers, NY- Somers Historical Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary, 2006 – 2007. On September 28, 1956, the Society was formally granted an Absolute Charter by the Board of Regents for, and on behalf, of the Education Department of the State of New York as an educational corporation. The Charter Reads, “...the Board of Regents for, and, on behalf ,of the Education Department of the State of New York has granted this absolute charter incorporating Otto Koegel, Frances Billingsley, Harry Chambers, Ferdinand T. Hopkins, William S. Lasdon, Patrick V. Ryan, Margaret Van Rensselaer Voislawsky and Charles W. Ward and their associates and successors as an educational corporation under the corporate name of Somers Historical Society to be located at Somers, County of Westchester and State of New York...” Since those early beginnings, Society members have been stewards of, and staunch advocates for, the preservation of historical resources pertaining to the Town of Somers, catalysts for historical research and educators who share their knowledge and love of Town history; in short, fulfilling the missions of education, preservation and stewardship as outlined in the Charter. In addition to numerous programs held throughout the year for school children, members and community groups, the Society is planning an anniversary exhibition to commemorate its 50 years of contributions to the community. Those contributions have included the establishment of the annual 3rd grade visit to the Wright Reis Homestead, now approaching its 20th year; mounting of numerous historical exhibitions and lectures in the Elephant Hotel; conducting walking tours of the Somers Hamlet and Primrose Street regions of town; and the publication of numerous books and periodicals pertaining to Somers history, among others. At its annual meeting, the Society’s Board of Trustees bestowed its prestigious Old Bet Award, an award given annually for outstanding achievement by a member, posthumously to all of the Society founders, as a gesture of thanks and recognition. (The Old Bet Award was created many years after the founding of the Society.) Also, to celebrate its’ 50th Anniversary, Somers Historical Society is extending complimentary one year memberships to: · friends of dues-paying members in the Society; · anyone born in 1956; · couples celebrating their 50th anniversary this year OR · individuals/families who live in a home built in 1956 or earlier. Somers Historical Society · Collects, maintains, preserves and exhibits material related to both local history and to the development of early 19th century American circus; · Annually presents a series of educational programs for its members, local community, schools and organizations; · Maintains o A small museum on the third floor of the Elephant Hotel, a National Historic Landmark. Items from its world-class collection of circus ephemera, as well as local historical artifacts, are displayed there, and on the Main Floor, on a rotating basis; o A Research/Reading Room featuring local history and circus-related books. (Available for use by appointment. ) o Gift Shop, featuring Somers-themed merchandise · Interprets three historic properties owned by the Town of Somers – o the Wright Reis Homestead o Mt. Zion Church o Tomahawk Chapel Somers Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and retains an Absolute Charter from the New York State Department of Education as an educational corporation. The organization is a member of AASLH, the Lower Hudson Conference, the Westchester Arts Council, Circus Fans of America, the Circus Historical Society and Somers Chamber of Commerce. Corporate members are Billingsley Realty, DiNardo’s Farm Market, Houlihan Lawrence Realty, the Mexican Shack, Putnam County Savings Bank. Special contributors are Pepsi Bottling Group Foundation, Inc. and Somers Lions Club. Office hours are M-T, 9 – 4:30pm. Museum hours Thursdays, 2 – 4pm and during special events in Somers Hamlet. Tours are available and may be made by calling (914) 277-4977, Email Oldbet@cloud9.net. ### |
| SOMERS HISTORICAL SOCIETY CELEBRATES
50TH ANNIVERSARY |