All are welcome including those interested in membership
By Barb Pert Templeton
It’s been 35 years since the Algonac-Clay Township Historical Society (ACHS) was formed after several local groups combined forces – the Algonac Boating and Historical group and the Clay Township Historical Society – to preserve local history.
Today, the ACHS is a is a volunteer based non-profit organization that remains dedicated to preserving the community and maritime history of the area, sharing historical stories at special events, and to providing educational opportunities for all segments of the community.
Along those lines, ACHS President Pam Allen stopped by the March 17 Algonac City Council meeting to speak during public comments about upcoming dates on the group’s spring calendar.
“We have many upcoming events in the next two months, and I just want to share highlights of them with the council,” Allen said, as she read a list into the record.
“Appreciate the historical society for reminding us every day of how lucky we are to live in such a great town,” Mayor Rocky Gillis said after hearing about all the great events coming up on the ACHS calendar.
“We are celebrating a lot of amazing history,” Councilman Ed Carter added.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with ACHS member Dennis Dureno to find out more about the club, membership and what’s coming up on their very busy schedule.
Blue Water Healthy Living: In addition to preserving local history, what other services does the ACHS provide to the community?
ACHS member Dennis Dureno: The society also supports research requests regarding the community and its maritime heritage. It also acts as a hospitality port for visiting tall ships, boat clubs, and also supports the ship cam for city of Algonac.
BWHL: How many members does the society have today? Are there annual dues?
The log cabin in Clay Township is one of a trio of properties taken care of by the Algonac Clay Historical Society.
Dureno: Currently we have 194 memberships. Membership Dues: Individual (1 Member Only) – $25.00, Family (1-2 Adults plus children under 18 years) – $30, Business – $60.00, Student – Free Lifetime Membership Dues: Individual – $300.00; Family – $500.00 If an Email is not provided add $10 to the membership dues to help defray cost of mailing
BWHL: Are new members being sought right now or all the time or?
Dureno: We are always looking for new memberships through onsite signage made available at our museums and noted in our monthly newsletter. An application is noted on our website.
BWHL: What properties does the society oversee?
Dureno: The Maritime Museum and Community Museum located in Algonac and the Log cabin located near the Clay Township Hall.
BWHL: Is there a monthly newsletter?
Dureno: Yes, we have a monthly newsletter. Distribution is to over 200 individuals.
BWHL: How does the group decide what events to put on their calendar? Or does a board handle that instead of the entire membership?
Dureno: We have a fundraising committee that meets monthly and identifies and reviews the events throughout the year. The list is reviewed by the ACHS Board and then the events are posted on the ACHS website.
BWHL: Is there an annual fundraiser that helps the society raise funds of support each year? Can you share some information about it?
Dureno: Our largest fundraising event is the Larger-Than-Life Cash Raffle which begins selling tickets in April. The raffle – with a $15,000 top prize sells tickets for $50 a piece and only 600 lucky tickets will be sold. The drawing for the winner will be on October 27th at the fabulous ACHS Spaghetti Dinner.
BWHL: Who’s eligible for membership in the society? Is there a residency requirement?
Dureno: No restrictions, in fact we have members who live outstate and one in Canada.
BWHL: How often does the membership meet?
Dureno: Monthly meetings are held except for a summer picnic and a Christmas party.
BWHL: What’s the most popular event the society hosts annually?
Dureno: The annual spaghetti event which draws local and outside the community attendees.
BWHL: How can someone visit the museum and/or donate items to the museum?
Dureno: Both instructions and forms are posted on the ACHS website, achistory.com.
BWHL: What brought you to the society and what do you enjoy most about being part of the group?
Dureno: Learn more about local history and be a volunteer in a local organization.
