President's Message

The 1977-1978 year, just concluded, has been a good one for the Dutchess County Historical Society. Our relationships with the town and local society have been excellent, and we can testify to the great amount of historical activity being carried on in Dutchess County. Many of the local societies have been conducting projects and activities of great interest, and these have been faithfully reported in our newsletters. In addition, individuals and groups have been carrying on studies, and presenting exhibits, about which we would like to be better informed. In this connection, I would like to call special attention to the outstanding exhibit presented at the Mid-Hudson Arts and Science Center. We have been conducting two pilgrimages each year, all of which have been in Dutchess County. These have been well attended by our members and friends. We extend our thanks to the local societies which have invited us, made the plans, and provided guides and expert assistance. On each pilgrimage a ladies' group from a local church has served us coffee and "Danish" upon our arrival, and coffee and dessert at lunch time. For these and other courtesies we are most grateful. We expect that the same general pattern of activities will continue for 1978-1979. We are endeavoring to schedule a winter meeting later in the year, much as was conducted last year. Due announcement will be made if our plans are successful. We have two problems about which I should make mention. The first has to do with communication, or rather the lack of it. This is not a general complaint but does prevail here and there. It is most important that we know about all the activities that are being carried on by societies, groups and individuals. These will be reported in our newsletters so that due recognition can be extended and the whole Society informed about what is going on. The second problem has to do with our relationships with the Adriance Memorial Library. This was mentioned in DCHS Newsletter, Volume III, Number II. It is very possible that we will be forced to leave the Library and set up a new base of operations. Our planning committee is now consulting with officials of the Library to determine what the future may hold. If a move is necessary, the committee will make recommendations which will, of course, receive deep consideration. I extend my sincere thanks to the Trustees, and to all others who have made this year successful. With your help the coming year will be even better than 1977-1978.

Franklin A. Butts President