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The Oswego County Historical Society will host its Annual Meeting presentation, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 6, in the Community Room of the Oswego Public Library at 120 E. Second St., in Oswego.
The membership and anyone interested in supporting the historical society initiatives are encouraged to attend. A brief business meeting will cover the progress of the society over the last year. A presentation of new and returning trustees along with the appointment of the officers will be presented, as well.
"The Annual Meeting is an important part of our organization," said Justin White, president of the board of trustees. "This gives the membership a chance to learn about the accomplishments and challenges of the last year and to give input in the future endeavors and goals. It is the members, volunteers, trustees and sponsors that sustain the society and keep our local history alive."
Following the brief business meeting, White will give an encore presentation of the program entitled "Theodore Irwin: Oswego Tycoon & American Collector."
Irwin was a millionaire industrialist and leading businessman in 19th century-Oswego. His personal fortune allowed his to amass a world class private library of rare books, which included a Gutenberg Bible, one of rarest, valuable and most iconic books in the world. His personal library was known throughout the country by leading book collectors, including J.P. Morgan, who played a significant part in the future of Irwin's collection. White will also discuss some of Irwin's other collections, including artwork. The PowerPoint program will showcase illustrations of the Irwin family along with many exterior and interior photographs of their elaborate Tuscan Villa estate.
"The Irwin family lived in Oswego during its Gilded Age and represent a fleeting yet very romantic time," White said. "While the Irwin estate is gone and all of its contents dispersed, we are fortunate to have a great record of their lives through documents and photographs."
The meeting and presentation are free and open to the public. Prospective members are encouraged to attend to help support the society continue to preserve the area's rich local history. The Oswego County Historical Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1896 and dedicated the preservation, promotion and interpretation of the historical resources of the county. The society owns and maintains the Richardson-Bates house Museum in Oswego, a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is open to the public from April to December from 1-5 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday; other days by appointment.
For more information visit the website at www.rbhousemuseum.org or call the museum during regular hours at 343-1342.
