President's Letter
January 2023

 

Dear Durand-Hedden Association Members and Supporters,

 

As we enter 2023, we look forward to an exciting variety of programs throughout the winter and spring.

Many adults recall our Open Hearth Cooking program from their own childhoods, and we are pleased to welcome open hearth cooking expert Margaret Quinn once again, on Sunday, January 22.

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In honor of Black History Month, we will present two programs in conjunction with the South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race. The first, on Feb. 5, African American Genealogy: The Joy of Discovery, is a presentation by Barbara Velazquez, describing the research she undertook to find her family roots. This will be followed on Feb. 12 by a African American Genealogy Workshop organized by genealogist Janice Gilyard, who will help people begin their own explorations of family history.

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The landmark exhibit Charm and Necessity: Maplewood Village Since 1888 continues to be on display at Durand-Hedden . It celebrates the naming of Maplewood Village to the National and State Register of Historic Places, a significant honor made possible through the work of Susan Newberry, Patty Chrisman and Ginny Kurshan.

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Women's History Month will be marked by a presentation by Carol Levin, From Patriots in Petticoats to Presidential Candidates, on March 12. 

 

Be sure to check the website for further details.

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Each event is made more interesting and exciting by the people who work with us in researching and creating the exhibits (no experience necessary!), as well as visitors of all ages who come to enjoy them and to learn new, intriguing information about the history of our community. There are often activities for children, and the Country Store offers an array of unique gifts and books for everyone.

 

Please become a member or renew your membership online at durandhedden.org. Whether you are a new or continuing member, your contributions are critical in helping Durand-Hedden to develop interesting programming and to maintain the House and the collections at our Maplewood archive, the Robert H. Grasmere Local History Center.

 

If you want to share your time or talents as a volunteer, please write to us at info@durandhedden.org.

 

We look forward to seeing you!

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Gail R. Safian

President, Durand-Hedden House Board of Trustees

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P.S. Please feel free to download the 2022-2023 Program Calendar.