The President’s Annual Report to the New Castle Historical Society

April 1, 2006 – March 31, 2007

The New Castle Historical Society (NCHS) has had a positive and productive year once again.  The Horace Greeley House, located in downtown Chappaqua, is a beautiful landmark, which continues to be a hub of activity in our hamlet.  

Betsy Towl has done a wonderful job as our Executive Director, making sure the day-to-day operation of the Society runs smoothly.  Her cheery voice and big smile make everyone feel welcome.  Susan Blumenfeld, our Program Coordinator, has made sure that there are docents on duty when the museum is open, and she has organized interesting programs for both adults and students.  Kathy Prime, our bookkeeper, works in conjunction with Bill Dannecker, our treasurer.  She is extremely efficient in making sure our bills and payroll are paid in a timely manner.  All of these women are invaluable to our organization because of their expertise and dedication.

 Antiques Show – Betsy Guardenier and Lois Dannecker:  This was, once again, a financial and social success.  Attendance was more than 1,500, the highest level since 2000.  This was the 39^th year for our biggest fundraiser.  The show attracts over 50 dealers from many states.  It is held at the Westorchard Elementary School the first weekend in November.  Hundreds of volunteers help make this event so successful.

 Buildings and Grounds – Dan Harley and Al Hutin:  Bids are currently being obtained for painting the exterior of The Greeley House and it is expected to get underway this spring.  New outside lighting was installed for security and safety purposes.  New storm windows have reduced energy costs and harmful sunrays to the interior.

 Collections – Nancy O’Neil:  We received a $2,500 grant for a textile conservator.  Since November, Mimi Sherman has been evaluating our extensive collection piece by piece.  Nancy and her committee have been hard at work archiving our photograph collection.  Intern Urzala Lukomska is cataloging our possessions for the purpose of updating our insurance coverage.

 Education – Susan Blumenfeld:  Second graders from Grafflin and Roaring Brook continued to visit the museum with their classes.  The Valentine Tea Party, Old-Fashioned Games, and Wreath Making were all well attended events throughout the year.  An Appraisal Series in conjunction with the Chappaqua Library was a big success.  This partnership has proven to be very worthwhile for both parties.

 Exhibitions – Toni Hutin and Lois Dannecker:  Our current exhibition is “Performing Arts in New Castle,” which will be displayed for the next few months.  A 3-panel display of “The History of the Girl Scouts in New Castle” is in progress.  The Millwood Exhibition, by Betsy Towl, was very well done and drew many visitors to the museum.  A portion of this exhibition is currently at Town Hall for viewing.

 Gift Shop – Toni Hutin and Lois Dannecker:  A record amount of sales was recorded for this past year.  The shop continues to have very interesting and unique items for sale and is a draw to all the visitors to the museum.  Many of the realtors in town make a point to purchase gifts here for their new homeowners.  We had a booth at Community Day last year, but it was not as fruitful as hoped.

 Gold In Your Attic – Fran Osborne and Nancy Hurwitz:  This very successful fundraiser is a booth at our annual Antiques Show.  NCHS members and friends donate or consign antiques furniture, jewelry and collectibles.  This past year’s gross receipts were over $22,000.

 Interiors – Gray Williams:  Two new mantels were made by Scott Nightingale and placed in the dining room and girls’ bedroom.  Al Hutin painted them to match the existing wall paint.  Scott also made a dry sink for the kitchen.  The fireplace in the front parlor has recently been outfitted with a gas-powered insert and “fake” logs, adding a wonderful ambiance.  Extensive research went into the fabric for upholstering the settee and chairs in the front parlor.  The Maltz family generously contributed the cost of the horsehair fabric and the upholstering.  Color Group has scanned or photocopied original works that are currently on display so that they (the originals) can be preserved out of direct light.  A new script is available for docents now that the furnishings arrangements have been completed.

 Investment Committee – John Sorice:  The results of the 2006 investments in Vanguard mutual funds were very
satisfactory.  Significant appreciation in the International Value Equity Fund and in the Diversified Equity Fund was offset, in part, by the acceptable but much lower returns in the Short Term and Intermediate Term bond funds.  The Investment Committee feels confident that our portfolio in 2007 will demonstrate similar positive returns.

 Landscape – Fran Osborne:  A new bird bath, window box and lattice work for roses on the shed, all in memory of Helen Sorice, were installed.  A memorial plaque will be placed at the base of the birdbath in the near future.  Westchester Tree Life has maintained our trees.  The gardens are lovely and the outside of The Greeley House is beautifully decorated for the holidays each year.  The Holiday Tree continues to flourish and the new LED lights saved on the electric bill.

 Membership – Barbara Romeo:  As of February 12, 2007, we had 313 memberships.  In February 2006 we had 364 with a 2006 year-end total of 625.  More memberships are coming in steadily since the recent House Tour mailing, so we expect to at least match 2006 numbers.  Encouragingly, the average donation for 2007 is $83.87, as opposed to $76.52 in 2006.  Barbara will be retiring from this committee, and Nancy Hurwitz will be taking over.

 Tag Sale – Fran Osborne and Nancy Hurwitz:  This fundraiser was held in the parking lot of The Greeley House over a two-day period.  Many of the items sold were left over from Gold In Your Attic.  Additionally, items were solicited from members and friends of the Society.  The Tag Sale netted over $3,000.

 Trips – Suzanne Keay:  We sponsor two trips each year, in spring and fall.  This allows our members to visit significant historic sites in our area.  In June we visited Princeton, NJ.  Last October we ventured to Newport, RI.  Both trips were done in conjunction with the Town of New Castle Recreation and Parks, as it is quite expensive to rent a motor coach for the day.  This has proven to be a good idea, as our upcoming spring trip to Philadelphia is already fully subscribed.

 In closing, I would like to say a sincere “thank you” to the hundreds of volunteers who make this organization the gem that it is.  I will be retiring as president and it has been a wonderful experience for me.  I would like to thank our retiring Trustees-at-large, Barbara Romeo, Jane Lindau, Renee Fell, and Marian Williams.  And, of course, thank you to those who have agreed to serve a second term:  Nancy O’Neil and John Sorice.  The following are Trustees-at-large who are currently serving their terms:  Evan Norris, John Beach, Betsy Guardenier, Toni Kelly, Richard Burns, Nancy Hurwitz, Betsy Lifschultz, and Amy Pappas.  Many thanks to you all!  And a hearty thank you to Al Hutin, past president; Fran Osborne, vice president; Lenore Pott, secretary; and treasurer, Bill Dannecker.  And I would also like to thank the Nominating Committee members: Chair, Amy McNamara, Lois Dannecker, Anne Boyd, and Evan Norris.

Because of their hard work and dedication, we welcome Ralph Heilman, Bill Kuebler, Emily Bloom, and Nancy Laun as new Trustees-at-large.

Respectfully submitted,
Suzanne Keay
President
4/6/07