The Freeport Historical Society has tripled its number of trustees, going from six to 18 total, ahead of the various plans the society has in place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. throughout the Village of Freeport.
The Historical Society, which is celebrating its 65th year, is led by President Ellen Kelly, who expressed excitement about the organization and its partnerships for this year.
“Community organizations have been meeting since fall of last year,” Kelly said. “It is both exciting and challenging. We’re coordinating major celebrations with (a) calendar on our website that includes multiple organizations. A lot of people are totally unaware of all the things the Historical Society does.”
Kelly added the Historical Society Museum on South Main Street is currently closed for major renovations to the building and grounds, adding to the busyness the organization is experiencing. The renovations are in part thanks to a generous gift from the estate of former Historical Society President Cynthia Krieg. While the museum will be closed for most of the year, the building should be open in time for the end of the year to host some of the holiday events and close out the 250th anniversary celebrations.
“For the past fifty years the Historical Society has acquired historic artifacts reflecting community life,” Kelly explained. “Now we would like to incorporate more oral histories to document our more recent history. We’re hoping to attract younger patrons including children.”
Another way the Historical Society hopes to attract younger patrons is through some of their new trustees. Two of such trustees, Jenell Muir and Alessandra Laucella, have joined this year and are excited to be a part of the Historical Society at such an impactful time.
“I am truly honored to be installed as a trustee,” Muir said. “As one of the younger members of the board, I look forward to bringing fresh energy and ideas while working alongside such a dedicated group.”
Muir, who is the executive assistant to Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy, also mentioned that she enjoys history and is eager to support the society’s mission.
“Many people don’t fully realize the depth of Freeport’s history, or how interconnected our community truly is,” she said. “I want our residents to better understand how important Freeport has been and continues to be, and to take pride in that legacy.”
Laucella, who also works for the Village by helping manage its social media accounts, also expressed excitement and humility at being asked to join the Historical Society.
One of the first 250th anniversary events that the Freeport Historical Society will be hosting is an open reading of the Declaration of Independence at Village Hall, modeling the original reading that took place in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the country’s founding. Mayor Kennedy will lead off the reading, followed by all four village trustees, County Legislator Debra Mulé, New York State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, Freeport Chamber of Commerce President Ben Jackson, former Chamber President Ken Dookram and others.
“I know that members of the Historical Society, the Freeport Memorial Library, and many other organizations on the coordinating committee have been working tirelessly on America 250 festivities,” Kennedy stated. “I am happy that Jenell and Alessandra are taking part. I think they will be a real asset to the celebration and the transitions that the Historical Society is undertaking.”
For more information on how you can get involved with the Freeport Historical Society and their events, please visit freeporthistorymuseum.org or email info@freeportnyhistory.org.
