Background
The South Dumfries Historical Society was founded in February 2003 to continue the operation of the community’s museum. The museum had been developed by the St. George/South Dumfries Trade and Tourism Association in the 1990’s, but with the dissolution of this body, the museum was in jeopardy. An enthusiastic group of citizens banded together to form the SDHS and to preserve the history of their community.
Goals
The South Dumfries Historical Society was created to:
Arouse and stimulate interest in the story of the people and places of the former South Dumfries Township, including the villages of St. George, Glen Morris and Harrisburg.
Collect, classify, edit and preserve information and objects related to the former Township.
Disseminate material so collected by publishing, by holding meetings for the presentation of papers and discussion, and by marking historical sites of interest and significance.
We invite you to join the SDHS and become a partner in preserving our community’s history. Please bring this completed form and payment to the South Dumfries Historical Society’s Museum at 34 Main Street South, St. George (open Saturdays 11-2), or mail it to:
South Dumfries Historical Society
c/o Cliff. Jones, 86 McLean School Road, St. George N0E 1N0
For information, call the Museum at 448-3265, or Cliff. Jones at 448-1075
CONSTITUTION of THE SOUTH DUMFRIES HISTORICAL SOCIETY
This Society shall be called the SOUTH DUMFRIES HISTORICAL SOCIETY. It shall become an affiliate of the Ontario Historical Society and incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario.
- Objectives of the Society:
- To arouse and stimulate interest in the story of the people and places of the district previously know as South Dumfries Township, including the villages of St. George, Glen Morris and Harrisburg.
- To collect, classify, edit and preserve information and objects relating to this district.
- To disseminate material so collected by publishing, by holding meetings for the presentation of papers and discussion, and by marking historical sites of interest and significance.
- Not-For-Profit Status:
The Society shall be carried on without purpose of gain for its members. Any profits or gains shall be used for the society’s expenses in achieving its objectives. The executive shall serve without remuneration and shall not profit from their position except they may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
- Dissolution:
In the event of the dissolution of the Society, all remaining assets will be given to a registered charity with a similar focus.
- Membership:
Membership in the Society shall be open to any person interested in the history of the area, and such person may be enrolled as a member upon receipt of the application and fee as set from time to time. The Society shall compose of active and honorary membership.
- Board of Directors:
The Society shall be governed by a board of directors that shall consist of the following: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary and three directors. The board of directors shall be elected at the inaugural/founding meeting and at each annual meeting thereafter. Existing directors shall fill vacancies within officer positions.
- Duties of the directors:
President
- To be the official representative of the Society
- To preside at meetings
- To carry out the objectives of the Society
Vice-President
- To act in the absence of the president
- To assist the president in carrying out the objectives of the Society
Treasurer
- To be responsible for the safe-keeping of the Society’s funds
- To maintain adequate financial records
- To produce monthly and annual accounting reports
- To prepare the accounts for audit
Secretary
- To keep the minutes of director’s and general meetings
- To prepare an annual report for the Ontario Historical Society
- To handle correspondence
- To maintain an up-to-date list of members
- To exercise surveillance over the constitution and by-laws
Directors
- To carry out the objectives of the Society
- Powers:
The board of directors shall have authority over the affairs of the Society, subject to the approval of the active members at a general meeting called by the president. Should the president neglect or refuse to call a meeting, five members in good standing shall be entitled to call a meeting.
- Quorum:
Four members of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum for a board meeting. One third of the active members of the Society shall constitute a quorum for a general or special meeting.
- Committees:
Committees shall be formed as required by the board of directors to support the activities of the Society. A board member will actively serve on each committee.
- Meetings:
The annual meeting for the election of the board of directors and for the consideration of financial and other reports shall be the first meeting of the calendar year. Regular meeting shall be held as determined by the board of directors. Society members shall be given 7 days notice of all meetings.
- Auditor:
Prior to the annual meeting, an auditor shall be appointed by the board of directors. The auditor shall examine the Society’s financial accounts and report its finding at the general meeting.
- Amendments:
- Amendments to the constitution may be effected at an annual meeting by a two-thirds majority of the members present, provided that notice of motion shall have been given at least one month in advance.
- Notice of proposed amendments to the constitution or by-laws shall be given to the secretary in writing and signed by three members in good standing at least fourteen days before the next general or annual meeting.
- The proposed amendment shall be read at this meeting, recorded in the minutes, and notice given to all members
- The proposed amendment shall be voted on at the next general or annual meeting
- The constitution or by-law will be amended with two-thirds majority of the members present in favor of said amendment.
Approved in principle by the Board on April 24, 2003
Approved by the membership on February 25, 2004