Happy charter day!

After 30 years, with a concerted effort over the last three, the Phillips House Museum on Hempstead Avenue, more formally known as the Museum of the Village of Rockville Centre, has received an absolute charter from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York, replacing its provisional charter.

Members of the museum’s Board of Trustees were joined at the museum on the afternoon of Jan. 22 by Sen. Dean Skelos, Nassau County Legislator Joseph Scannell, Mayor Mary Bossart, trustees Dave Krasula, Ed Oppenheimer and Kevin Glynn as well as a number of supporters at a ceremony to mark the accomplishment.

“I congratulate Frank Seipp, Marilyn Devlin and everyone that worked so hard to make this long standing dream a reality,” said Skelos. “By receiving permanent charter designation, our museum has demonstrated that they meet the highest of standards, and I look forward to working with them in the years to come. All residents of Rockville Centre should be proud of this wonderful achievement.”

Calling it a very special place, Scannell also praised the heart and dedication of all the volunteers, and presented a certificate on behalf of the legislature. Not able to attend, Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilman Anthony Santino were also represented.

An absolute charter is granted to museums and historical societies that meet the organizational and educational standards established by the Regents and achieve what is termed “registration.” If an organization has a record of financial stability, programmatic accomplishment, and a well-founded reputation for excellence, it is usually successful in meeting the requirements of registration. The result of a successful review forms the basis of the recommendation that the Regents grant an absolute charter. If the Regents concur in that recommendation, the museum or historical society is registered and an absolute charter is granted as an instrument of incorporation.

A neighbor of the museum from the Rockville Centre Tudor Apartments next door, Jo-Andrew D’Alessandro, was also on hand for the commemoration. She said that research provided by the village’s historical society using the museum’s archives helped find rich history that added to the Tudor Apartments’ recent celebration of its 80th anniversary.

“I’m here today to celebrate with them their tremendous achievement which was a team effort,” said D’Alessandro. “Their passion and love for this village from past to present shines miles away from this home as the beacon of Rockville Centre.”