Norfolk Historical Society
Annual Meeting—21 January 2018
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall
The annual meeting of the Norfolk Historical Society was called to order by Mrs. McPhillips at 2:32 p.m. Board members present were: Joanne Berkley, Dick Boutwell, Anne Brockenbrough, Bill Davis, Steve Forrest, Carter Furr, Jim Gildea, Greta Gustavson, John Lindberg, Peggy McPhillips, Chris Melhuish, Bill Miner, Mike O’Hearn and Troy Valos.
Mrs. McPhillips expressed the Board’s appreciation to the Church for allowing us to have the annual meeting in the Parish Hall. She then gave a recap of 2017 and highlighted the two scholarships given to Access College Foundation in memory of George Tucker and Louis L. Guy and the monthly LLG History Series. Mrs. McPhillips also noted that an initiative for 2018 is to have Fort Norfolk open more frequently and also to open the Powder Magazine. Mr. Boutwell, membership chair, stated that it the committee’s goal to increase membership in 2018.
Financial Report
Mr. Gildea reviewed income and expenditures during the 2017 fiscal year. He stated that the Foundation account was doing well because of a successful year for the stock market. He added that there were 172 paid memberships for 2017 and that there are 121 new and/or renewing memberships to date for 2018. Mr. Gildea then reviewed projected income and expenses for 2018. He noted that the NHS commitment to the Slover Library will be completed in 2018 and discussion has taken place concerning new ideas.
Nominating Committee
Mrs. McPhillips presented the report of the Nominating Committee for 2018-2020, submitted by Mr. Perreault, as follows: President, Peggy McPhillips; Vice President, Mark Perreault; Treasurer, Jim Gildea; and Secretary, Greta Gustavson. Board members nominated were as follows: Joanne Berkley, Dick Boutwell, Anne Brockenbrough, Bill Davis, Caroline Doonan, Russell Evett, Chip Finch, Steve Forrest, Bob Garris, Craig Jones, John Lindberg, Joyce McKeever, Chuck McPhillips, Chris Melhuish Bill Miner, Mike O’Hearn, and Troy Valos. After no nominations were received from the floor, a motion was made by Mrs. Berkley to accept the slate of officers and board as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Fanshaw and unanimously approved.
NHS Work Program
Mr. Miner briefly reviewed the NHS Work Program for 2018 and said that copies were available for review. He added that a tour of the Church would be conducted following the meeting.
Membership Committee
Mr. Boutwell said that it is the committee’s intent to make membership as inclusive as possible and that he will be sending letters to members in the near future to match members with various NHS program areas. Mrs. McPhillips encouraged those present to pick up extra brochures to give to friends and neighbors to make them aware of NHS and its various activities.
Fort Norfolk
Mr. Forrest stated that the Fort will continue to be open on Sundays between 12 noon-4:00 p.m. during summer months.
St. Paul’s Archaeological Work
Mr. Miner reported that the majority of the work has been taking place in the southeast corner of the churchyard in search of the footprint of the 1699 church. A report will be forthcoming on the work undertaken in 2017.
Program
Mrs. McPhillips announced that, due to personal illness, the speaker could not be in attendance. In his stead, Mr. Lindberg gave a presentation on Fort Norfolk similar to that given to civic leagues and other interested groups. He began the presentation by playing of the recording of the National Anthem as it would have been played during the Civil War. It was recorded by the Gosport Brass Band, of which he is a part, and he added that the band would be interested in playing at a benefit for the Fort. Mr. Lindberg then gave a history of the Fort and its significance followed by a description and purpose of the Fort’s various structures. Mr. Lindberg closed the program with a hymn, also recorded by the Gosport Brass Band. Mrs. Berkley thanked both Mr. Lindberg and Mr. Forrest for the research they have done on Fort Norfolk. Mrs. McPhillips added that NHS needs to advertise the Fort better.
Announcements
Mr. Melhuish gave a brief overview of a project he has regarding the return of the USS Chesapeake’s battle ensign, which was taken from the ship during a battle in the War of 1812. Estimated costs would be between $20,000 and $30,000 to bring it to the Chrysler Museum of Art for a temporary display. He is working for this to be an event that engages the community.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Greta Gustavson, Secretary
