Spring News and Notes West Haven Historical Society March, 2004

Historical Society Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The West Haven Historical Society celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of its founding in 2004. According to our records, the Society incorporated as an Independent 5090 3 non-profit organization in 1959. Our original mission, to preserve the history of West Haven in all facets, has not changed.

Through our active community awareness and Outreach Programs we support other history-oriented organizations in their efforts, assist with problem-solving, and serve as a resource for all inquiries related to the 350+ years of our city's history. Our members are actively collecting the histories and photographs of West Haven families, businesses and organizations for our research and resource files for future generations as we investigate the possibility of museum space. Hopefully these items will be on exhibit during our 100th Anniversary Year!!

George Richards's Tours: A Legacy-A Tribute
The West Haven Historical Society will continue to sponsor George Richard's "Tours of Historic West Haven" in tribute to the memory of this fine educator and local historian.

Mr. Richards originally designed this two and one-half hour program as a teaching aid for his students. Public tours began as part of our Bicentennial celebration, and under his tutelage, as part of our program.

Over the years, as George's health limited his participation, he shared his knowledge with Diane Arduini and Carole McElrath who will continue to bring these tours to the public.

Center Churches to Rededicate Burial Grounds
Plans for public rededication ceremonies of the central burial grounds have been scheduled for the weekend of May 15 -16.

A large committee comprised of members of the First Congregational, Christ Episcopal Churches, D.A.R., S.A.R., City - West Haven and Governor's Foot Guard joined the Society to lay plans for this celebration.

Wreath, flag and marker laying, period music, skits, student research papers, early day (historic) church services, the dedication of a Founder's stone, a Bell concert - all with costumed docents, are the formulae for this Special Event.

Role of Trustee Reinstated
Five Past Presidents have agreed to serve as Trustee, a position that has been reinstated in accord with our By-Laws. Bernice Kaercher, Elaine Willman, William Barr, Bennett Dorman and William Welsh will provide counsel and share experience with the current body of officers. The first Annual Trustee-Officer Meeting will be held on May 14.

Home At Last
Thanks to the generosity o€ the City of West Haven, the Historical Society has an appropriate meeting space for 40 persons in the Johnson Center. The area will also provide repository and exhibit space for articles and artifacts now in the care of many of our members. Collections and ephemera will serve as resources for research and will be recorded as museum holdings of the Society.

W.H. Rotary Members Adopt Gravestones
Several members of the West Haven Rotary Club took an interest in our ` ADOPT A STONE" Program after a recent luncheon presentation on the project. Upon learning of the Historical Society's restoration efforts in both central Burial Grounds and the need for funds for future maintenance for this historic site one member immediately adopted the markers of his ancestors Edgar A. Smith and his son, Arthur A. Smith.

City and Cameron Family Essential to Cemetery Restoration
More than 42 gravestones were unearthed as members of the Cameron family gently and carefully adjusted, dug up, raised or repaired hundreds of other markers in both sections of our earliest burial grounds in the center of town. This much needed work was made possible through a grant sponsored by the City of West Haven, under the direction of Commissioner Beth Sabo.The Historical Society proudly serves as Project Administrator.

Public Invited as East, West Shores Join for a First
At the invitation of the Fort Nathan Hale Assn., our Historical Society will participate in a coordinated effort to commemorate the 225`h anniversary of the British invasion of July 5, 17 79. As the East Shore skirmishes and marches as Tryon's army, locally, costumed docent/members will host the Governor's Foot Guard band and field music at opening ceremonies at Savin Rock (9: 00 a. m.), at the Green with open house at the center churches and burial grounds and at the Campbell Grave Site (10: 00 to noon). The Foot Guard will go on to the Defender's Monument, New Haven for another ceremony. We will then join other participants on the East Shore for marches and formal ceremonies (2:00 - 3:00).

Our Spring Fling! Deerfield Bus Trip
We are planning a triple treat with our May 4th bus trip to Deerfield, Massachusetts!! Our morning will be spent at Old Deerfield where we will visit the new exhibit dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Indian invasion of that town. Lunch at noon at The Inn and on to "Magic Wings" Butterfly Conservatory! Bring cameras! Departure at 8:00; return 6:00. $55.00 per person. Call Betty for reservations at 934-5852.

Historic Burial Grounds Project a Success!!
Anyone passing the central Burial Grounds adjacent to both the First Congregational Church on the Green and Christ Episcopal Church would have to notice the inordinate amount of activity that has taken place since September. A badly needed restoration of hundreds of stones marking the final resting place for many of the earliest families in our City's history is in progress. The completion of this $40,000 project and their rededication will emphasize their importance and the importance of the West Haven Green, a National Register Property.

V. P. Vaughn Grants Chairs "Adopt A Stone"
According to Vice-President Vaughn Grant, it will be necessary to apply several additional coats of silicone on the faces of each stone in approximately five years in order to maintain the preservation work now in progress. The Historical Society's "Adopt-a- Stone" Project matches a donor to a stone for a donation of $50.00. Interested persons may select a stone by calling Vaughn at 934-0814.

Bell Choir to Perform
"The Messengers" of the First Church of Bethlehem, CT will present their second benefit concert on Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Church. As this is the culminating activity to our special weekend, the ticket also includes admission to a reception after the program. Tickets: $10:00. Proceeds to WH Historical Society & Christ Church. Call Bill: 934-2653.

Bob Shine, Playwright
Local thespians will portray West Haven citizens involved in one of the most notorious 10 vents in our history- the theft of a corpse from our church burial ground. The skit was written by Congregational Church Historian Bob Shine, depicts the story of the discovery of the open grave and a march to the Yale School of Medicine, which resulted in a near riot!

Deerfield "Reading" Captives & Captors by Kevin Sweeny
Thanks to your interest and generosity ALL REVOLUTIONARY WAR PATRIOT STONES have been "adopted"; including that of Nathaniel Kimberly, one of the first drummers of the Second Company Governor's Foot Guard Field Music Section.

Officers, WH Historical Society 2003-2005
Carole A. McElrath President
Vaughn Grant Vice President
Betty C. Roy Recording Secretary
Alice S. Butler Treasurer Mary Lee Neale Correspond. Secretary Mailing address: 682 Main St., WH 06516

Tune in to THE MAYOR'S PROGRAM on Citizens' TV during April & May for a sneak preview of our Special Events.

WEST HAVEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2004 SPRING AND SUMMER CALENDAR

Friday MARCH 12 7:00 P.M. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HALL Tim Chaucer, Executive Director of the Milford Maritime Museum will share early and rare Native American articles and artifacts of from Southern Connecticut. As a historian and educator, Tim will share resources. Hands-on demonstrations.

Friday APRIL 16 7:00 P.M. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HALL Ted Wolfe will share - and show - "The Story of Oyster River" through the eyes of his ancestors, the Merwin and Northrup families. He is the owner of land deeds for the area dating to the time of George Washington and Governor Trumbull. He is an avid antiques collector, author and outstanding historian and a member of our Society!

Tuesday MAY 4 BUS TRIP TO DEERFIELD (GUESTS WELCOME) With Spring in the air, we look forward to a visit to Old Deerfield to view the newest exhibit marking the 300`6 anniversary of the Indian raid. Lunch will be at the Inn at Deerfield (always delightful!), and the afternoon will be spent at "Magic Wings" Butterfly Conservatory, a favorite place for camera buffs. Leave SR Conference Center at 8:00, return approximately 6:00 p.m. $55.00. Call Betty Roy at 934-5828.

Friday May 14 ANNUAL TRUSTEE-OFFICERS MEETING Noon

Friday May 14 7:00 P.M. (Location to be announced) In a unique visit by Ed Olsen, Director-of the Fife and Drum Museum of Old Lyme We will learn more about the instruments of the Revolutionary period, the meaning of various cadences, the "messages" and "orders" sent by fifers and drummers.,This is a special program Which actually starts off our Dedication Weekend.

Saturday May 15 and Sunday May 16 CELEBRATION: RESTORATION OF CENTRAL BURIAL GROUNDS The City of West Haven, First Congregational Church and Christ Episcopal Church join the Historical Society in a celebration weekend. Saturday Program: 10:00 Civic Dedicatiom Program with SAR, DAR, Governor's Foot Guard, and civic and service leaders. Sunday Program: both Church Services at 10:00 a.m. followed by all attending Founders-' Day dedication at Congregational Church. Afternoon: Religious Rededication of Burial Grounds, I II Choir Concert and Reception. Historic church articles, ephemera on exhibit. Everyone encouraged to wear costumes, participate in all services and marches. Everyone welcome.

Saturday June 12 Noon ANNUAL LUNCHEON LUCIBELLO'S Reservation/meal choice cards will be sent to you nearer to the date of the luncheon.

Saturday June 26 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. COMMEMORATION, 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF BRITISH INVASION (See article in this newsletter)