Location
The Vermont Room,
Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
21 Library Lane
Williston, VT. 05495

Hours Open
Monday and Wednesday
10 a.m. to 8: p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(summer: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

BY-LAWS OF THE WILLISTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.
As of November 23, 1998

PURPOSE: The Williston Historical Society is established for the purpose of promoting, producing, interpreting, and preserving historical and educational materials, particularly as relating to the town of Williston, Vermont, and for any other lawful purpose for non-profit corporations.

ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Any person interested in the history of the Town of Williston who applies for membership in any classification of membership and who tenders the necessary dues shall thereby become a member. A person who has made significant contribution to the Society may be voted an honorary member by the society at any general meeting of the society.

Various categories of membership and dues shall be as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Annual dues shall be payable in advance of the Annual Meeting, and members in arrears more than six (6) months after payment is due shall be deleted from membership if dues are not paid within thirty (30) days of receipt of written notification.

ARTICLE II: BOARD OF DIRECTORS; SCHEDULE AND QUORUM FOR MEETINGS
Annual meeting shall be held in January of each year.
The Board of Directors shall consist of officers of the Society, as elected annually by the membership, the immediate past president, the Archivist, the Chairman of the Publications Committee, the Chairman of the Membership Committee, and three other members elected as Directors for three (3) years on a rotating basis by membership at the annual meeting.
The Board of Directors shall meet at least quarterly.
A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE III: SCHEDULE AND QUORUM FOR MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY
Annual meeting shall be held in January of each year.
Regular meetings of the Society shall be held at least four (4) times each year, which number shall include the Annual Meeting.
Special Meetings may be called by the President or the Board of Directors, or upon petition signed by a minimum of ten current members.
A quorum shall consist of those present and voting.

ARTICLE IV: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
The officers of the Society shall be president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, each of whom shall be elected annually and shall serve until his successor shall qualify. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be held by the same person.
The president shall have the executive supervision over the activities of the Society within the scope provided by these By-Laws. He/she shall preside at all the meetings and shall jointly with the Board of Directors report annually on the activities of the Society. He/she shall appoint members of committees and delegates not otherwise provided for.
The vice-president shall assume the duties of the president in the event of absence, incapacity or resignation of the president.
The secretary shall keep the minutes of meetings of the Society and of the Board of Directors, maintain the list of members, and render an annual report.
The treasurer shall be responsible for the safekeeping of Society funds and for maintaining adequate financial records. He/she shall deposit all moneys received by him/her with a reliable banking institution in the name of the Williston Historical Society, Inc. The treasurer shall pay all accounts payable and approved by the president, collect dues, and render an annual report based on the calendar year. The treasurer will arrange for an annual review of the Society’s finances and accounts by a certified Public Accountant and will submit such review to the Board of Directors by July 1 of each calendar year.
The Board of Directors shall be responsible to the membership and have the power to conduct the affairs of the Society between meetings of the Society. It shall annually appoint the several Standing Committees as herein provided. The Board of Directors shall decide questions of policy assigned to it. The president and the Board of Directors shall jointly render an annual report at each annual meeting. In the event of an office being vacated, the Board of Directors will appoint a replacement to fill the office for the remainder of the term.

ARTICLE V: COMMITTEES
The Society shall have the following standing committees:

  • MUSEUM COMMITTEE: The museum Committee shall consist of the Archivist and two members, all three of whom shall be appointed annually by the Board of Directors. It will be responsible for collecting, cataloging, the care, arrangement and repair of books, manuscripts, newspapers, and other historical materials and property of the Society.
  • PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE: The publications Committee will be appointed annually by the Board of Directors. It will be responsible for finding ways and means for publishing joint or individual research studies, newsletters to members, bulletins, and appropriate communications in the furthering of the work of the HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
  • PROGRAM COMMITTEE: The Board of Directors will act as a Program Committee and be responsible for arranging suitable programs, and all matters incidental thereto.
  • MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: The Board of Directors will annually appoint a three member Membership Committee. The Membership Committee will be responsible for membership drives and processing new candidates for membership.
  • NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE: At least one month before the annual meeting the Board of Directors will appoint a three member Nominating Committee. It will be responsible for making nominations for officers and members of Board of Directors.
  • HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE: The Hospitality Committee will be appointed annually by the Board of Directors and will be responsible for refreshments and related activities at Society functions.

The Society shall have ad hoc committees needed. The Chairman and members of these committees will be appointed by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI: ORDER OF BUSINESS
The order of business at meetings of the Society and of the Board of Directors shall be:

  • Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting.
  • Treasurer’s report.
  • Standing Committee reports.
  • Select Committee reports.
  • Unfinished business.
  • New business.

ARTICLE VII: PARLIAMENT AUTHORITY
Robert’s RULES OF ORDER shall govern the proceedings of the Society at its meetings.

ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENT TO BY-LAWS
These By-Laws may be amended at any regular or adjourned meeting by a two-thirds vote of those voting, provided notice has been mailed to all members at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting. These By-Laws may be amended at any special meeting called for such purposes, subject to the aforesaid notice. All members shall be provided with written copy of the text of the amendments at the time of notice.

Adopted 2/22/74
Amended 1/77
Amended 1/11/82
Amended 1/30/89
Amended 10/30/89
Amended 10/23/95
Amended 11/23/98