Our Structures

The Society is an unincorporated, independent ‘association’ that works closely with other area groups with similar heritage interests, and, particularly, with the Perth Museum, where its monthly public meetings are held. A volunteer ‘Executive Committee’ provides leadership and planning, and organizes the Society’s activities and events. The Committee has an informal structure consisting of a Chair and Secretary, and positions delivering Program Coordination, Publicity, Finance, and Webmaster activities. We also recognize our Past President and Honourary President.


Background

An historical society has been active in Perth, with only one or two gaps, since the late nineteenth century – and became the present-day Perth Historical Society. In 2007, the Society was re-structured under the guidance of a coordinating committee, which became the nucleus of the present ‘Executive Committee’.


Memberships

Rather than institute a formal membership structure, the current Committee made the decision in 2007 to simply maintain a mailing and contact list, for the purpose of disseminating information on the Society’s activities, including invitations to the monthly presentations. In lieu of ‘membership fees’, meeting participants are invited to make a nominal, voluntary contribution (presently a ‘Tooney’). This has proved both effective and adequate in meeting administrative costs and delivering the Society’s history message in the area.

We welcome your ‘membership’ in our email mailing list – just send us an email with a request to be added to the mailing list: perthhs@gmail.com (Notices are sent once a month.)

Activities

Our main activity is our monthly meeting, held between August and June, that features one or more presentations on Perth and area history. See our Events Page for details.

The next few years will also see us focusing on the Perth's 200th anniversary celebrations. See our 200th Anniversary Page for more information.

Additionally, the Society and its individual Executive officers assist with other history-related community events, particularly in Perth. Examples include the Perth Regional Heritage Fair, Doors Open Perth, and special events at the museum. In 2009, the Society was an initiator and co-organizer of the celebrations surrounding the Tay Canal's 175th Anniversary.

The Society also informally monitors activities and developments that could impact the maintenance of the area history and heritage. For example, the Society recently submitted recommendations to the Ontario Realty Corporation regarding means of providing recognition of an important archaeological site in Perth.


Executive Committee

Chairperson – John Fowler

Hon. President – Gus Quattrocchi

Secretary – Jim Winton

Program Coordinators – Frances Rathwell, Beth Graham

Publicity – Ellen Dean, David Taylor (and mailing/contact list)

Finance – John Fowler, Ellen Dean, David Taylor

Contact Us

We welcome your questions and comments, feel free to email or write to us.

Please note: we regret that we are unable to provide a full historical research enquiry service, however, we will try to point you to a suitable source.

Perth Historical Society
c/o 64 Wilson Street West
Perth, ON K7H 2N6

Email: perthhs@gmail.com

Tel: 613-264-0094