Architect’s rendering of planned archives facilitity
A generous donor to the campaign for a Middletown History Center is challenging other history lovers to match his contribution by the end of 2018.
Nicholas J. Juried has pledged $50,000 towards the construction of an archives facility and research room to be housed in an expansion of the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown’s existing program hall near Margaretville. The archives portion of the addition will be named for the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation in recognition of this major contribution towards the $350,000 project.
“Congratulations are in order to the Executive Committee and to every one of your dedicated HSM members for conceiving this wonderful building to fulfill so many vital historical preservation, research and public service functions,” commented Juried.
He suggested that HSM supporters might want to add their own contributions by December 31 to take advantage of tax benefits. Gifts can be made by mail (PO Box 734, Margaretville, NY 12455) or electronically (mtownhistory.org). HSM is a 501c3 non-profit organization chartered by the New York State Education Department. It has 156 members and an 11-member governing board.
Nick Juried is a 1947 graduate of Gilboa-Conesville Central School and of Cornell University where he earned a degree in agricultural economics. He served in the Air Force during the Korean conflict, and then moved to Texas where he built a successful manufacturer’s marketing and promotion company. He and his late wife Dorothy restored a 37-acre ranch in Sandy, Texas, and he currently resides in Austin, Texas.
Juried is an avowed history enthusiast who has given substantial support to the Gilboa Historical Society’s Gilboa Museum/Juried History Center, the Zadock Pratt Museum in Prattsville, the Jefferson and Middleburgh Historical Societies, and the Catskill Tri-County Historical Views Magazine of which he is honorary editor. He noted recent efforts to link historical resources in the tri-county area (Delaware, Greene and Schoharie) as a factor in supporting HSM.
“We are ever so grateful to Mr. Juried for seeing the value – culturally and economically – in preserving the documents and artifacts of our past,” commented HSM President Diane Galusha. “Saving the stories of our communities is a priceless gift we leave for our children and theirs.”
Galusha announced the Juried Challenge at HSM’s annual meeting October 27 when she gave an update on the campaign to build the Middletown History Center. The campaign kicked off in September when State Senator James Seward secured a $50,000 grant from the state to be used towards construction of the 1600-square-foot addition. Several generous donors whose families have deep roots in the Middletown area subsequently joined the Legacy Circle with gifts of $1,000 or more.
“We are thrilled to report that the campaign is one-third of the way towards the goal,” Galusha reported to 50 members and friends who attended the annual meeting. “Since our collection has outgrown the space allotted for it at the Town Hall, the need is great and the time is now to construct a permanent archives. We truly appreciate the support of our early donors.”
While HSM developed plans for the building project and launched the fundraising campaign, it also produced several programs and events, including the 6th Living History Cemetery Tour at Halcottsville, and presentations on the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Catskills, famed photographer Art Kane, and the impact of World War I on Middletown area soldiers and communities. A relic hunt by the Nor’easters Metal Detecting Club and a Family History Day were also held in 2018. HSM once again participated with exhibits and activities at the annual Cauliflower Festival.
Two new trustees were elected to the HSM Executive Committee at the annual meeting. They are Bill Blish of Margaretville and Agnes Laub of Fleischmanns. Henry Friedman was re-elected as a trustee, as were officers Diane Galusha, Vice President Tina Greene, Treasurer Marilyn Pitetti and Secretary Amy Taylor. Remaining trustees are Anne Sanford, Pat Moore, Barbara Moses and Shirley Davis.
The Historical Society had 156 members in 106 households in 2017-18. New and renewing members are invited to join at mtownhistory.org.
Ideas for future programs and research projects are most welcome. Contact HSM at history@catskill.net if you would like to contribute information or volunteer to organize a program.