By Maralisa Marra
The Shinnston Historical Association was founded in the spring of 1972, according to President Bobby Bice, so for the association’s annual fall dinner, they will be celebrating 50 years.
Bice said that they are hoping the dinner will serve as more than just a celebration of 50 years; they are interested in inviting new members into the organization, as well.
The Historical Association used to have annual fall dinners, but they have not had one since 2019 due to the ongoing pandemic. This year is their first one back.
Upon reviewing the association’s membership list at the last meeting Bice had with the board of directors on Sept. 3, they noticed that about 10 people who were active members have passed away in the last three or four years.
There is not a maximum number of members, but Bice said the association is particularly seeking active members.
“On average, when we get together, there are maybe 12 or 15 of us,” Bice said. “We would just like to have more members, but other than that, we’d like to have more active members.”
When the Historical Association formed in 1972, there were 180 members. Although he said they are not expecting a turnout of 180 members, they are hoping to meet some new history buffs.
He said, “We want interested persons or anybody that might have an active interest,” because they have the Shinn House to take care of, and due to aging members, Bice wants to ensure that the association has the means to manage the upkeep of the property.
In 1972, six months after the Historical Association was formed, they took ownership and responsibility of the Shinn House.
“You’re an organization for six months, and now you have a piece of property and an important historical house that you have to maintain,” Bice said.
He also said a number of Shinn descendents from all over the country are members, but they are not as hands-on as local members can be because they are too far away to participate.
Overall, the Shinnston Historical Association is looking for volunteers who are interested in history to become active members in the organization in order to sustain it for future generations.
If interested in becoming a member, the 50th anniversary dinner will take place at Jimmy’s Diner at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25. Karen Morgan, a member of the Historical Association, will be the keynote speaker of the dinner meeting.
