22
Administrator's Report BY LEROY H. TRUE
AS WE DRAW close to the end of another season it is obvious that attendance at our buildings reached an all-time high. We do not know if this is because more people came to Nantucket, improved publicity, or that people have become more interested in history and tradition. We hope it is because of the latter but probably it is partly because of all three. Also we have a sizable increase in membership. This is most encouraging because membership is the life blood of our organiza tion and through these, we have a greater opportunity to fulfill our mission. A major part of our success is due to the excellent personnel, all performing their individual tasks with devotion and effort. We have received so many compliments from our visitors on the knowledge and charm of those who interpret each exhibit. It was a real delight to see the sails back on the mill and hear the muffled sound of wooden machinery grinding corn. During the winter we hope to get the overhead wires buried and other corrections made so that we can operate no matter which quarter the wind is from. We had several excellent programs this summer, free to members and guests. The talks by Mr. Stackpole and Mrs. Bar bara Johnson were outstanding. We are planning to accelerate these programs this winter and next summer under the direction of Mr. Stackpole, our Historian, and to include other speakers. A few people in sections of the room had difficulty hearing and all were uncomfortably warm but we promise to improve both situations. The Nantucket Cable TV generously offered to put some of our programs on Channel 3 and Mr. Stackpole has already done a fine job describing the museums and telling interesting facts and stories pertaining to Nantucket's past. We are most en thusiastic about this means of teaching early Nantucket history. The Council relaxed the rule against taking pictures inside the buildings and now permits this when for private use and when it can be done without interrupting normal flow of visitors. Many have expressed appreciation for this privilege. The "dig" at Sachacha Pond has been closed but the one at Ram Pasture is still in progress. It is doubtful if either will pro duce a large collection of "treasures" because each is done slowly and carefully in the search for information rather than the accumulation of artifacts. There is room for a few more people to participate.
