Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County historian, was the guest speaker at the recent Valley Historical Society meeting in the Sinclairville Museum.

SINCLAIRVILLE – Chautauqua County Historian Norman Carlson was the guest speaker at the recent meeting of the Valley Historical Society.

The meeting was held in the Sinclairville Museum. Carlson based most of his speech on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War which began in 1775, and lasted until 1783. The period of time for remembering the Revolutionary War is eight years, Carlson said. Carlson said local libraries have received a pamphlet on the 250th anniversary. Carlson said that there are 37 Revolutionary War soldiers buried in various Chautauqua County cemeteries. He talked about the federal and state resources and the national initiatives such as the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution.

Betty Jean Ridout, vice president of the Valley Historical Society, opened the meeting with the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary Evelyn Thorndike read the minutes of the previous meeting. Treasurer John Sipos gave the financial report of the historical society, Program chairman Susan Sipos spoke about the upcoming events for the year, and passed around sign up sheets for people to volunteer. Mrs. Sipos has done a lot of work organizing events of the society for the year, including the programs for the year. Sheryl and Harold Christy have been working on the museum after it was closed for the winter.

Following the meeting, special homemade pastries were provided by Peggy Maloy, including cheese and pepperoni.

The Valley Historical Society was formed in 1977 by the late John and Ruth Smith, the late Rev. John Rough, Bill Hulett and Walter Waite. One year later the museum building was purchased and has undergone many renovations. For more information on the Valley Historical Society, write to P.O. Box 1045, Sinclairville, NY 14782. New members and guests are welcome.