George Clever from Stockton was the recent guest speaker at the Valley Historical Society meeting on preserving oral history, and recording the information.

SINCLAIRVILLE – The Valley Historical Society recently heard from George Clever on keeping historical records.

Clever is a retired educator, beginning his career as a fourth grade teacher and moving up to a college professor. Clever is a local author and historian, with six published books to date. The theme of his speech was that the generation today will wonder, what did the people of long ago do, what was happening when they were alive, what are the major events in times ago. Clever said, oral history is what one wants to pass on to members of the family. It is important that stories of family events be saved, as there is a big interest in family members and genealogy. Young people will want to learn from history, what was our life like, and what did we go through said Clever. Every person who served in the military has a story or more worth saving. Clever gave some ideas on things to use in saving oral history with today’s technology. Clever added much humor to his speech.

Betty Jean Ridout, vice president, was in charge of the meeting, and welcomed all. Ridout led all in the Lord’s Prayer and the pledge of allegiance. John Sipos, treasurer, read a summary of the previous meeting and then gave the financial report of the society. Sipos also reported that the Valley Historical Society participated in the Memorial Day weekend parades.

The museum, located at the corner of Main and Lester streets, is open for Sunday tours from 2 to 5 p.m. It is closed on holiday weekends. The annual Sinclairville History Fair will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 7 a.m. until a fireworks display at 9 p.m.

The Valley Historical Society had its beginning in 1977 by the late John and Ruth Smith, and the Rev. John Rough. One year later the museum was purchased and has seen many renovations. New members are welcome.