The Beardsley Foundation, owner and operator of Ruthmere (former Elkhart, Indiana mansion of Albert Beardsley -- now a museum), desires to interact positively with the proposed Beardsley Society but is leaving the task of providing an institutional shell and leadership to us. Trustees of the Beardsley Foundation plan to establish a "Friends of Ruthmere group and will welcome any Beardsley Society members into the group. They would help host special tours and plan events especially for the Beardsley Friends if sufficient numbers are available and some support for Ruthmere can be realized. The Foundation?s limited resources are committed to improving and maintaining the Ruthmere property, a formidable challenge.

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	<DIV align="left">It�s up us, therefore, to create and nurture The Beardsley Society. We can accomplish this by sharing the responsibilities through committees of volunteers. Please review the accompanying list of committees and their responsibilities and let me know which would be of interest to you. I?m volunteering to serve as chairman of the Administration Committee and will coordinate committee assignments.
	Our first task will be to establish a database of Beardsley Society members. Contact me to obtain a membership application. There are no membership dues at this time. I anticipate, however, that modest annual dues will be required to sustain activities of The Beardsley Society after it becomes established. Your committees will propose a budget and a dues structure for your approval. Roger Hippsley
	COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES Administration Coordinates the joint responsibilities of other committees; maintains liaison with the Director and staff of Ruthmere; supervises Society operations, including purchasing of materials, supplies, and services; Events Plans, promotes, and implements all events, including regional or national assemblies, benefits, seminars, and other special events. External Affairs Develops recognition of The Beardsley Society, its activities, and its members among genealogists, news media, and other organizations that could be of assistance in fulfilling our purposes. Genealogy Traces and records all descendants of William and Mary Beardsley. Authenticates the eligibility of those persons desiring to be designated, "Registered Descendants of William and Mary Beardsley." History Develops and maintains historical accounts of the activities and achievements of descendants of William and Mary Beardsley. Promotes awareness of those who attained prominence or made significant contributions to their communities or fields of endeavor. Internet Develops, implements, and maintains the Society's presence on the Internet via a web site, links to pertinent home pages, and postings to appropriate genealogy sites and forums. Membership Promotes membership in The Beardsley Society and maintains a database of members. Obtains renewal of annual memberships. Recommends annual membership dues structure, the requirements for individual, family and associate members, and a membership benefits package. Recommends an additional fee for processing "Registered Descendants." Accepts "Registered Descendant" applications from persons desiring to be so designated and processes them after Genealogy Committee has authenticated eligibility Publications Prepares and publishes an annual Register of Beardsley Descendants and a periodic Beardsley Society Journal containing news and reports of interest to current members. Produces any special announcements, bulletins, and memoranda for distribution to members. There are no membership dues at this time. I anticipate, however, that modest annual dues will be required to sustain activities of The Beardsley Society after it becomes established. Your committees will propose a budget and a dues structure for your approval. Roger Hippsley

rhippsley@sprintmail.com