The Rowan Museum held its 56th annual meeting on Oct. 29 in the Messinger Room of the Museum at 202 North Main St. with a seasonal theme of “Bats, Cats & Superstitions.”
The meeting was hosted by the Museum’s Board of Directors and was attended by 112 members.
Members enjoyed tours of the Museum before the business meeting. Paul Brown, president of the Board of Directors, welcomed the guests. George Kluttz, treasurer, shared the financial statement.
Kaye Brown Hirst, executive director, spoke on the highlights of the programs and services of the Museum during the past year and introduced staffers and volunteers.
Brown thanked retiring board members Susan Cloninger, Edward Norvell, Lillian Gascoigne, Carol Palmer and George Kluttz. Each was presented with two crystal ornaments etched with the 1766 Old Stone House and the 1854 Courthouse.
Raemi Evans, Meg Dees, Katie Setzer Lipscomb, Margaret Basinger, Susan Norvell, Mark Perry , Jeff Karriker and Jim Foltz were recognized by Edward P. Norvell, Chair of the Board Development Committee, and elected to the Board. Evans and Dees are returning Board members.
Terry Holt, coordinator of the History Club, reported on upcoming programs. The History Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Museum.
Lib Taylor reported on the 56th Annual Antiques Show sponsored by the Museum which will be held Nov. 13-14. Sue Fisher reported on the Silent Auction which will be held in conjunction with the Antiques Show,
The program was presented by Hirst and Jeff Karriker on Vintage Halloween Collectibles. Hirst presented the history of Halloween and its traditions. Karriker shared many items from his collection of century old Halloween decorations and toys. Susan Waller then shared many local superstitions and local stories.
Waller was also recognized as the winner of the prestigious Norvell Award, presented annually by the Museum to an outstanding volunteer.
Debbie Suggs prepared a meal of chicken and dumplings with all the trimmings, and it was enjoyed by all.