MEETING WAS HELD AT THE WISE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S OFFICE IN THE LONESOME PINE REGIONAL LIBRARY AT WISE, VIRGINIA

Suzanne Adams called the meeting to order at 11:00 AM.

Glenda Ewing read the minutes of the August 13, 2024, Business Meeting and the Executive Committee Meeting March 18, 2025.  Bonnie Aker made a motion to accept the minutes and Jacky Fannon seconded.  The motion carried.

Ricky Lawson read Wanda Rose’s 2024 Treasurer’s report.  Sharon Pidgeion questioned the books for sale item.  The $1,470 amount was the total amount paid for the printing of Between Brothers, and the purchase of Johnson and Addington’s Wise County History Books as well as 5 copies of Country Roads and Lanes for resale.  Bank Balance $6,332.37 to date.

Glenda Ewing read the Secretary’s Report.  Glenda reported that the WCHS had several off-site meetings in 2024.  These included:  Old Russell County Courthouse, St. Paul Railroad Museum, and Frank Kilgore’s Mountain Heritage Museum and Gallery in St. Paul.  The Executive and Book Committees, continued to meet during 2024.  Glenda made available the Secretary’s Binder with recorded minutes of all meetings.

Ruby Salyers read the first half of the Book Committee Report which recapped the sales from 2024.  Glenda Ewing reported that Rhonda Robertson’s Wise County Virginia Historical Sketches has sold out and will be reprinted. 

Glenda gave an update on the efforts to reprint the Wise County Heritage Book and that it would soon be printed and the WCHS would have a digital copy.

Sharon Pigeon reported that Jack Brummitt has given his permission to reprint his works.  He will send his written permission.

Jacky Fannon reported he keeps an open channel with MECC staff to try to locate WCHS’s missing books, especially the Civil War books.

Suzanne Adams opened New Business with a statement about the History of WCHS and the 1992 By-Laws and the need for updating the By-Laws.

Glenda Ewing made a motion to accept the new proposed By-Laws as written, which had been emailed to all members, Jacky Fannon seconded the motion.  Suzanne then addressed the questions on the proposed By-Laws from Judy Pearce.  Lu Ellsworth called the question for the Articles of Incorporation – Proposed By-Laws.  The results were nine in favor and Sharon Pigeon and Amanda Shupe opposed.

Suzanne read Section 3 of the By-Laws which covered Advisory County Member requirements.  Glenda made a motion to accept the proposed Advisory Members as recommended, seconded by Jacky Fannon.  Sharon Pigeon shared a list of proposed Advisory Members for future consideration.  Discussion proceeded on the election of current nominated Advisory Members; Rickey Lawson, Wanda Rose, Sharon Pigeon, Lu Ellsworth, Brian McKnight, Hazel Jessee and Jennifer Hall.  All have been contacted and agreed to serve.  Glenda Called the question.  The nominated members were approved by acclamation.

Suzanne Adams presented the proposed list and dates of futures meetings.

• Saturday, May 24, 2025 – Gathering in the Gap, WCHS will cosponsor Jordan Dotson’s book reading and signing, The Ballad of Falling Rock.  The event will take place in the Slemp Library Branch in Big Stone Gap.
• Saturday, June 21, 2025, 11:00AM – 1:00PM.  The meeting will be in the Appalachia Cultural Arts Center.
• Saturday, August 16, 2025, 11:00AM – 1:00PM.  The meeting and program will be held in the Lonesome Pine School and Heritage Center in Big Stone Gap.
• Saturday, October 18, 2025, Location of meeting to be scheduled.

Grants – Suzanne reported the Historical Society is submitting an application for a grant through UVA Wise’s Virginia Humanity’s Program.

Fred Bevins asked for an update on the Archive’s space.  Suzanne reported that an increase has space has been approved.

Sharon Pigeon suggested a grant for a George C. Scott Film Festival might be a good project to join with UVA Wise.  Suzanne asked Sharon to pursue the opportunity.

A motion to adjourn was made by Jacky Fannon and seconded by Rickey Lawson.  The motion passed.

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