Article I – Name

The Organization is known as the Wintonbury Historical Society, Inc.

Article II – Objective

The objectives of the Society are (1) the collection and preservation of records, facts, and materials relating to the history and to the citizens of Bloomfield, Connecticut; (2) the identification, preservation and marking of buildings and locations of historical interest within said town; (3) the recording of current history for the benefit of future generations of the town; (4) the dissemination of documents and pamphlets relating to such records, facts, materials, identifications; and (5) in general to carry on all activities appropriate for an historical society.

Article III – Incorporation

1.

The Society is duly incorporated but there is no capital stock.

2.

In case of the dissolution of the Corporation, or in case it becomes impossible for the Corporation to fulfill its purposes, all records, materials, and property owned by the Corporation will be transferred by the Board of Directors to the custody of the Board of Directors of the Prosser Library of Bloomfield, Connecticut, or such other town or state corporation or society as will use records, materials and property for the purpose for which this Society is organized.

Article IV – Membership

1.

Any person interested in the history of Bloomfield may be considered for membership in the Society.

2.

3.

Application for membership is made in writing, signed by the applicant, endorsed by the Society’s Membership Committee, and accompanied by one year’s dues. 

4.

The amount of dues is decided annually by the Board of Directors. Dues should be paid by July 1 of each year. 

5.

Members who do not pay dues within six months of the due date are sent reminder notices by the Membership Committee. If these members do not pay dues within one month after the reminder is sent, they are dropped from the membership rolls.  Anyone  dropped because of nonpayment may be reinstated upon the payment of dues.

Article V – Government

1.

2.

Officers are elected at the Annual Meeting for terms of two years. The President, Vice-President and Treasurer are elected in the even years. The Recording Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer are elected in the odd years.

3.

The Board of Directors composed of the following voting members: the officers of the Society, the immediate past-president, and twelve members of the Society, four elected at each Annual Meeting for three year terms. The Board  fills any vacancies that occur between Annual Meetings. The President may appoint one or more additional persons to serve in an advisory capacity on the Board during his/her term of office.  The President may designate one member of the Board of Directors of the Prosser Public Library as an ex-officio member. Any Board member who does not attend three meetings in any fiscal year is considered to have resigned; however, the Board may take into account extenuating circumstances.

4.

The President may name both standing and temporary committees as the need arises.

Article VI – Duties of Officers

1.

The President presides at all meetings of the Society and its Board of Directors. He/She, with the Secretary and Treasurer, signs all written contracts and obligations of the Society as authorized by the Board of Directors. At the first meeting of the Board of Directors after the Society’s Annual Meeting, he/she announces the members of the standing and other committees. The President is an ex-officio member of all committees.

2.

The Vice-President performs the duties of the President in his/her absence, and otherwise serves the Society at the President’s discretion.

3.

The Secretary writes up, distributes, and files the minutes of all meetings of the Society and its Board of Directors.

4.

The Assistant Secretary serves in the absence of the Secretary.

5.

The Treasurer is chair of the Finance Committee.  The Treasurer has custody of all dues and monetary donations belonging to the Society and pays all bills of the Society as authorized by the Board of Directors.. The Treasurer prepares an annual budget and provides financial reports to the Board of Directors and to the Society’s annual meeting.  

6.

The Assistant Treasurer learns the duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer’s Office and performs the duties of the Treasurer in his/her absence.

7.

The Board of Directors has direct control of the affairs of the Society, subject to the Bylaws. The Board hires any employees and defines the duties of employees and committees. It approves the annual budget of the Society. It has the authority to take whatever other actions are necessary and proper for the Society’s welfare.

Article VII – Historian and Curator

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2.

The Historian shall be responsible for: (1) the collection and preservation of records, facts, and materials relating to the history of the Town of Bloomfield and its citizens; (2) the identification of locations of historical interest within the Town; and (3) recording current history for the benefit of future generations.

3.

Article VIII – Meetings

1.

All membership and Board of Directors meetings are governed by these Bylaws and Robert’s Rules of Order.

2.

The President, at his/her discretion,  appoints from the membership a Parliamentarian who is duly qualified to interpret Robert’s Rules.

3.

The September meeting is the Annual Meeting of the Society (beginning in 2021).

4.

Special meetings may be called by the President at any time and will be called at the written request of ten members of the Society or a majority of the Board of Directors.

5.

Twelve Active members of the Society shall constitute a quorum.

6.

The Board of Directors meets at least five times a year. Additional meetings may be requested by the President or any four members of the Board.

7.

8.

The Board of Directors may change the date of any meeting provided at least one week’s notice is given to all affected members.

Article IX – Amendments

1.

Whenever in its judgment there is a need for revision or amendments to these Bylaws, the Board of Directors establishes a Bylaws Committee to make recommendations to the Board. After approving the Committee’s recommendations, the Board notifies the membership of the proposed changes.

2.

The amendment process as described above may be initiated by a petition signed by at least ten percent of Society members.

3.

The membership of the Society votes on Bylaws changes at any regular meeting at which at least twenty-five members are present,  provided that the Secretary has notified all members in writing of the proposed changes at least ten days prior to the meeting. A two-thirds vote of those members voting is required for adoption of the changes.