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MEETING DATES
Wednesday, September10 at 7 p.m. at Old School House in
Douglas. Official Opening of The Old School House Discovery Center.
Wednesday. October 8, 7 p.m. at the Saugatuck High School
Media Room. "Tall Tales Told by an Old Ships' Captain."
Wednesday, November 12, at 7 p.m. at the Saugatuck High
School Media Room. Program to be announced.
Sunday, December 7, Annual Holiday Party at Coral Gables.
MEMBERS TO VISIT OLD SCHOOL HOUSE
The Old School House Task Force
and the Society Board are very excited about the September program.
This will be our opportunity to show you what has been accomplished
so far inside the Old School House!
You will love the main floor
space and will enjoy our "show and tell" of posters on how the
building and grounds will be used along with demonstrations of our
planned services for members and the community.
We will explain our plans for
future programming and how the building and its grounds will be
used. Doesn't she look beautiful with hr new coat of paint and
lovely brick walkway? Don't miss this meeting on September 10 at 7
p.m. We have worked for three years to bring you this program!
-- Dottie Lyon
E-NEWSLETTER WELL RECEIVED
In July, the Society's Monthly Newsletter was sent electronically as
well as by mail to all members. Nearly 200 email addresses are now
ready to only receive the August newsletter electronically at a
considerable savings to the Society in printing and postage.
The electronic newsletter contains all the same stories as in the
printed copy plus additional pictures and links to other Internet
sites of interest to members. A key link in the July Newsletter on
how to purchase the Society's award winning publications on-line was
quite popular. Also, as a result of comments from readers, you can
also download a printer friendly version of the Newsletter.
If you would like to sign-up for the Society's e-news, which will
include other timely items of interest to members, just send an
email to Fred Schmidt at fnschmidt@wmol.com or give him a call at 269-857-5751.If you
missed last month's e-newsletter, click
HERE.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Have you taken a look at the Old School House lately? While work
continues on the interior, there is now visible progress on the
exterior. Fresh paint, the new brick walk and hidden from view, but
still prominent is the bell in the cupola. The Old School House Task
Force and the Board presented a sneak preview for our major donors
on August 14, to show the progress that has been made and what type
of programs are planned for the future, when the Discovery Center is
opened to the public. We are thankful for everyone's generosity.
The building is looking quite wonderful in preparation for the
official debut to our members on September 10. Be sure to read the
details in this newsletter, and we hope to see all of you. The bell
will be rung.
Thank you and congratulations to all who have donated time, talent
and money over the years to the Society and to the Old School House
project. A sense of pride is growing as we come closer to the
completion of the project and will be able to showcase these
accomplishments in the coming months.
Did you like the new format and look of last month's issue? It was
sent via email in color with photos. We are catching up with modern
technology and hope to be able to provide a higher level of
communication to all of you. This is one of the benefits of
membership. Be sure to let us know if you did not receive your copy
and that we have your correct email address. For anyone that does
not have access to the internet, we will still send you a paper
copy. This is a cost savings and we hope to reduce printing and
mailing costs for 2009. We will be sending out an email survey soon.
Thank you in advance for your responses.
The visitors to our communities seem to be in larger numbers this
year and one of the SDHS successes is that we do not offer a "been
there, done that" type museum. So spread the word about the museum
exhibit this year, 13 Moments in Time, the monthly programs
and the 'Til Noon talks, all are open to the public. Let's show the
community that SDHS is a very good reason to return time and time
again. See you on September 10th.
-- Kathy Sturm, President
WHAT YOU MISSED
After 60 members/guests sampled a groaning board of treats at the
August picnic, President Kathy Sturm welcomed visitors, thanked Jane
Underwood for pavilion arrangements and introduced three committee
chairs.
Dottie Lyon: OSH has a new coat of white paint and green front
doors. The September 10, 2008 SDHS meeting will be at the OSH!
Judi Vanderbeck: Heritage Festival is September 20, with eight
locations. Do sign up as a volunteer. Advanced tickets for $20 are
available at the French Cottage, SDHS Museum and Uncommon Grounds
and are $25 at the door. Lunch with Douglas Social vendors will be
at the OSH and a free September 21 Moments in Time
Realtor/Partnership home tour is a bonus.
Jane Underwood: 10 question game based on the Moments in Time
exhibition took place inside the museum. Players searched artists’
write-ups for correct answers. Top three winners and their prize
books were:
1. Betsy Muir (Painting the Town)
2. Rick Brigham (Storm, Fire and Ice)
3. Peggy Boyce (Painting the Town)
Each participant received a postcard.
-- Jane Osman, Secretary
DUNES ALLIANCE TO HOST AUGUST 26
Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance has announced that it will host a
Town Hall Meeting to report on the status of the "Denison" property,
Tuesday, August 26, 7 p.m. at Saugatuck High School Auditorium.
Society President Kathy Sturm will be present to represent the
Society during the Q&A portion of the meeting to ensure our mission
and focus as an historical society is understood, and to support the
research initiated by Jim Schmiechen to map the areas that are in
need of designation and preservation.
The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society is informing its members of
this meeting because this and other ongoing land use discussions
fall within the focus of our mission "to discover, procure, and
preserve whatever may relate to the civil, religious, social,
cultural, and natural history of Saugatuck, Douglas, and the
surrounding area," and "to provide leadership, enabling the
community to connect to and understand its past and use its history
to shape its future and preserve its quality of community life."
Land use decisions will have important implications for shaping our
area's future.
The Society encourages members to exercise all opportunities to
become better informed and to voice their opinions on this and the
many other issues that face our public decision makers. We may from
time to time distribute information that may be of value to members
to achieve a fuller participation in their community.
DISCOVERY
CENTER HOSTS "SNEAK PEEK"
The Old School House bell rang out from its original belfry for the
first time since 1957 on the evening of Thursday, August 14, as the
Society gave approximately 150 major donors a thankful "sneak peek"
at the progress their vision and generosity has made possible in
turning this historically significant Douglas icon into a new
Heritage Discovery Center.
Chief among the major donors honored at the Thursday event, and
invited to pull the bell rope, was the building's former owner,
Holland's Nancy J. Budd, who offered it to the Society at a "gift"
price that reflected a significant personal contribution. Individual
major donors have since built upon Budd's contribution in amounts
ranging from $1,000 to $120,000, sparked by a $425,000 matching
grant from the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation. Together with
additional grant support from Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural
Affairs (MCACA), Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF) and
Preserve America Historic Preservation Fund, more than 400 donors
have accomplished much of the project's budget-based goal of
$1,525,000, leaving only about $350,000 remaining to be raised.
In brief welcoming remarks, Society President Kathy Sturm delighted
the audience by singing her parody of Doris Day's classic hit "Que
Sera, Sera", having lyrics rewritten to thank donors with "look what
we have done", the chorus prompted a spontaneous group sing-along.
Speaking next, volunteer/historian Jim Schmiechen emphasized that
the new Discovery Center does not replace the Society's Museum,
rather it adds another totally different element to the area's
educational infrastructure. "Our intent here is to give people of
all ages a place to access Society archives, invent new ways to
connect with our area's past, and make our history come alive and
meaningful," he said.
Task Force spokesperson Jeff Wilcox, again thanked the major donors
and acknowledged many substantial cost-saving "in-kind" donations of
materials, equipment, skills and professional services from area
businesses and contractors, noting that their names will be
gratefully recorded on a permanent "donor wall" display in the main
entry area, still being designed. He also spoke of numerous choices
made to save or maximize available money, reporting that the
renovation is pursuing LEED ("Green Building") certification.
Guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres catered by Mermaid Bar & Grille and
cocktails during a walk-through look at the nearly finished main
level, which soon will house a Welcome Center for visitor
orientation to our community and the Center's resources, a Discovery
Room for access to the Historical Society's extensive collections
and local genealogy research plus local/state history materials from
the District Library, and an Exhibition Room for scheduled exhibits,
with a "Creation Station" where anyone can create and present public
displays using their own private collections and memorabilia. A
number of large hanging banners visually highlighted various
functions and programs being planned for the Center, and more than a
dozen Society committee members wearing "Ask Me" nametags mingled
with the visitors to answer questions.
The Historical Society meeting on Wednesday, September 10 will
convene at the Old School House, 7 p.m., giving members an
opportunity to see the facilities closer to completion and learn
more about the activities and volunteer opportunities anticipated
there. The public opening of the main floor Discovery Center is
targeted for September 20.
Members who have not yet contributed are urged to join us now in
supporting the Society's commitment to create this unique legacy for
all who value our area's heritage. Donations may be sent to The
School House Project, Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society, PO Box
617, Douglas, MI 49406.
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HERITAGE FESTIVAL BEGINS SEPTEMBER
20
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On September 20
and 21 the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society's 7th annual
Heritage Festival will feature the popular Home Tour as well
as a number of other events which focus on the heritage of the
Saugatuck-Douglas area. |
On
Saturday, September 20, the Eight Moments in Time Home Tour will
provide a rare look inside seven distinctive homes, each reflecting
a unique aspect of the Saugatuck area’s multifaceted architectural
heritage. Tour homes open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. include
contemporary, Civil War era, award-winning and cottage-style
residences in Saugatuck, Douglas and Pier Cove. Click
HERE for all the pictures and details of each of the homes.
Timber Bluff
The tour includes the first public viewing of the Old School House.
(Members will get a special preview at the monthly Society meeting
on September 10.) Enjoy lunch on the lawn of the school served
11a.m. to 3 p.m. by local non-profit organizations and church
groups.
Heritage Homes Tour tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of
the tour (and half price for Homes Tour volunteers). Advance tickets
may be purchased in advance at the museum, Uncommon Grounds in
Saugatuck and the French Cottage in Douglas. On tour day, tickets
are also available at all tour stops and the Old School House.
Other attractions on
Saturday include:
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The Clothesline Art Show, 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. at Beery Field presented by the Saugatuck-Douglas Art Club.
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A vintage baseball match at Beery Field
featuring the Douglas Dutchers. Warm-up at 3 p.m., match at 4 p.m.
On Sunday, September 21
there will be three new Heritage Festival events:
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Historical Society docents will lead 75
minute walking tours of historic downtown Saugatuck. Tours will
begin at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
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Saugatuck mayor Tony Vettori will lead a
hike through historic Tallmadge Woods to the Crow's Nest on the
Ox-Bow lagoon.
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Realtors Open House Tour will
feature area homes of historic and architectural significance which
are available for sale and are often not open to the public.
Brochures on each home show including open hours, description and
location will be included in a packet that will be distributed to
Saturday Home Tours visitors.
For
additional information call 857-5751.
HERITAGE FESTIVAL
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Society's 7th Annual Heritage Festival will be held
on Saturday, September 20th and Sunday, September 21st.
As you know, the success of our scheduled events depends on our
cadre of dedicated volunteers as we host hundreds of visitors to the
area and celebrate our area’s heritage. We once again ask you to
join the team.
In
addition to the personal satisfaction of being a part of this fun
fall tradition, as a Festival volunteer, you will receive a few
special "perks" in exchange for the gift of your time:
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As a special "thank you," you will
be invited to a Pre-Festival Reception at the Constance Petter
Gallery, held the night before the Heritage Homes Tour. Enjoy
complimentary wine, soft beverages, and hors d’oeuvres, and meet the
tour homeowners.
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At the Friday-night reception,
Festival volunteers have the opportunity to purchase half-priced
Festival Home Tours tickets ($12.50 instead of $25.00) at the
reception. (Note: The half-priced tickets will be available at
the reception only.)
Below is a list of volunteer opportunities for the Festival. If you
would like to join the team or would like more information about
what volunteering would entail, either respond to this e-mail or
contact the activity leader directly.
Home Tour Host
What You Will Be Doing:
You will just be the perfect host --- greeting visitors, answering
visitor’s questions about the home and watching over homeowner’s
personal property.
When: Saturday, September 20th. There are two time
periods for Hosts: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Who to Contact If You Are Interested in Volunteering:
Sunny Hill: (269) 227-3730 If you volunteer, you will be
contacted by a House Captain to provide you with specific details.
Home Tour Parking
What You Will Be Doing:
Monitoring parking in an assigned area for a 3-hour shift.
When: During the Home Tour on Saturday, September
20th. There are two time periods for Parking Assistants: 11:00 a.m.
- 2:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Who to Contact If You Are Interested in Volunteering:
Howard Vanderbeck, (269) 857- 2682 or E-Mail:
hj.vanderbeck@comcast.net
If you volunteer, you will be contacted by Howard to provide you
with specific details.
Publicity Distribution Committee Member
What You Will Be Doing:
You will be contacted when rack cards and/or posters are available
for distribution. You will be responsible for distributing the
materials to all the locations in your assigned area (typically near
your home).
When: For the Heritage Festival, when the materials
have been printed. For the Pub Party (February for the Pub Party and
in May for the Museum and the Bowling Fundraising event).
Who to Contact If You Are Interested in Volunteering:
Marsha Kontio, (616) 566-1239 or E-Mail:
marshakontio@comcast.net
SOCIETY
RECEIVES "CONSERVATION BOOKSHELF"
The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society has been
awarded an "IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf" from the
Institute of Museum and Library Services, the primary source of
federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500
museums. The Institute works at the national level and coordinates
with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and
knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional
development.
The Bookshelf comprises a core set of
conservation books, DVDs, and online resources that detail
professional standards for the collection, preservation and storage
of historical materials. It also addresses the philosophy and ethics
of collecting, collections management and planning, emergency
preparedness and culturally specific conservation issues.
"We're truly honored to receive this award", says
President Kathy Sturm. "Our community has entrusted us with many
treasures over the years and we've always done our best to preserve
and protect these artifacts. The IMLS Bookshelf will do much to help
us sharpen our procedures and more effectively manage both the
Museum and the Old School House Discovery Center."
"This couldn't have come at a better time," adds
Harold Thieda, Historical Society Archives Committee chair. " We're
now planning to consolidate our collections from four different
storage locations around the area into our new archival room at the
Old School House Discovery Center, so having current, professional
guidance in this effort will be immediately useful."
The IMLS Bookshelf is awarded competitively to
libraries, museums and archival organizations based on submitted
applications describing their needs and plans for care of their
collections. Most recipients are small organizations having limited
budget and staff, demonstrating urgent need for this permanent
resource.
As part of a conservation initiative that the
Institute launched in 2006, the Bookshelf was made possible by a
cooperative agreement with American Association for State and Local
History (AASLH), with support from the Getty Foundation, Henry Luce
Foundation and Samuel H Kress Foundation. Recipients in this second
round of Bookshelf competition, announced on August 5, included 776
organizations representing every state, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Click
HERE to learn more about the
American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TEAM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
The Membership Development Team needs two or
three people to join Collette Snydacker (membership records) and
Nyla Hensley (new member welcome and orientation) to manage
membership related issues.
The team functions will include membership
communication, recognition, acquisition, welcome and orientation,
volunteer relations, membership directory and other activities
requested by the board. I will be the Board liaison, working with
the group until the MDT is functioning well. Please contact me by
email or phone. Thanks.
Ed Kelly, Board Liaison - Membership
KEL179@aol.com 269-857-2843 or
cell 630-363-9853
VOLUNTEERS, REPORT YOUR HOURS
If you have volunteered time to the SDHS this
year and have not already sent me your hours, please do so.
Volunteer hours count towards matching grant monies received
especially for the School House project. Volunteer hours can be sent
to Mary Voss at sdhsvol@verizon.net. Just list the month, the hours and the area
in which you volunteered. Bill Hess is keeping track of the museum
volunteers so those hours will be submitted by him. Thank You
volunteers for all you do to help make this Society so successful!
2008 Museum Exhibit |
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