Constitution
Article 1
The name of the organization shall be the West Haven Historical Society, Incorporated.
Article 2 Object
To discover, procure and preserve facts and materials having historical value in general, especially pertaining to the history of West Haven, Connecticut; to preserve things of the past and present which have value for future generations; to promote pride in our community; to defend the idea that the past contributes to good citizenship.
Article 3 Membership
Membership shall consist of persons who are dedicated to preserving the history and spirit of West Haven.
Article 4 Officers
Section 1. Officers of the organization will be President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Past Presidents. Only members in good standing will be eligible to vote or hold office.
Section 2. The officers shall be elected at the April meeting, held in odd years, by the members in good standing.
Section 3. The term of office shall be for two (2) years.
Section 4. Any officer who is derelict in their duties may be removed from office as determined by the executive committee.
Article 5 Meetings
The regular meeting of this organization shall be held monthly, excluding the months of January, February, July and August.
Article 6 Amending the Constitution
The constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members in good standing present at a regular meeting, provided that a copy of the proposed amendment(s) shall be sent to every member at least ten (10) days prior to the vote.
By-Laws
Article 1 Object
Shall be to investigate and preserve history as now exist in the memory of long-time residents; to stimulate public interest in the prevention of destruction of historic sites in West Haven; to aid in the identification, preservation, and marking of buildings and locations of historic interest (with the collaboration of their owners); to procure and maintain collections related to our community; to encourage study and research of West Haven in order to fulfill the purpose of this organization; to pass to future generations a reasonably accurate history through archival records, important architecture, sites and events.
Article 2 Membership
Section 1. Membership is open to any person dedicated to preserving the history and spirit of West Haven.
Section 2. Dues payable in the amount necessary will accompany the completed membership application.
Section 3. The dues structure is as follows:
Active Members: $20.00 annually
Student Members: $10.00 annually
Section 4. Annual renewal dues will be payable at the September meeting of each year. Anyone who is more than one (1) year in arrears shall be dropped from the membership rolls.
Section 5. Any member whose behavior or actions are detrimental to the organization may be dropped from the membership as determined by the executive committee.
Article 3 Duties of Officers
Section 1. The President shall preside at all regular and special meetings; shall appoint standing and ad hoc committees and the chairmen thereof.
Section 2. The Vice President shall, in the absence of the President, assume all of the duties and responsibilities of that office; shall perform such other duties as directed by the President; shall be in charge of membership. In the event that the Presidency is vacated, the Vice President will assume the office of the President for the unexpired term.
Section 3. The Recording Secretary shall keep the minutes of regular and special meetings. Such minutes shall be accurate and the official record of all business transacted.
Section 4. The Corresponding Secretary shall, under the direction of the President, conduct all the correspondence of the organization; shall be in charge of sunshine.
Section 5. The Treasurer shall receive all organization funds and shall keep these funds in a responsible financial institution; pay all non-recurring bills as verified by the organization President and Assistant Treasurer, and by a quorum of the membership when over the sum of $1000.00. In the months when there is no regular meeting, any extraordinary expense greater than $1000.00 may be approved by the Executive Committee. All checks greater than $1000.00 will require the signatures of the President and the Treasurer (or designee in their absence). The Treasurer shall also keep an accurate record of all monies received or disbursed; make monthly financial reports at regular meetings; distribute or mail annual dues payment notices to each paying member prior to the September meeting.
Section 6. The Assistant Treasurer shall, in the absence of the Treasurer, assume all of the duties and responsibilities of that office; shall perform such other duties as directed by the Treasurer. In the event that the office of Treasurer is vacated, the Assistant Treasurer will assume the office of the Treasurer for the unexpired term.
Article 4 Executive Committee
Shall consist of President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and Past Presidents.
Article 5 Standing Committees
Shall be the following: Acquisitions, Archives, Development, Hospitality and Program.
Article 6 Meetings
Section 1. The order of business shall be: Call to order, pledge of allegiance, minutes of the previous meeting, financial and committee reports, old and new business, announcements.
Section 2. Election of officers (odd year in April); installation of officers (odd year in May).
Section 3. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of twelve (12) members in good standing.
Section 4. Robert’s Rules of Order (revised) shall govern all procedures that are not consistent with constitution and by-laws.
Article 7 Audit
The accounts of the organization shall be audited annually by a third-party appointed by the President.
Article 8 Dissolution of Organization
On dissolution of the organization, any funds remaining shall be distributed to one or more regularly organized and established historical societies.
Article 9 Amending the By-Laws
These by-laws may be amended in the same manner as the constitution.
Article 10 Effective Date of Amendments and Changes
All amendments and changes to the constitution and/or by-laws shall be effective immediately upon acceptance by the membership, unless otherwise specified.