Milton Historical Society celebrates volunteers at annual dinner

Volunteerism was at the heart of the Milton Historical Society's annual dinner April 16, which recognized new projects, old supporters and significant contributions from area residents and history buffs.

“I was told early on that whatever differences there may be among people in this town, when we gather as members of the MHS, those differences are set aside,” said MHS Interim Director Kevin Kelly. “You hear things like that said all the time, but in Milton, you see it in practice.”

Featured in the dinner presentation, which included food catered by Jimmy's Grille, was a recently created online catalog of Milton-related history, compiled and posted by Milton resident Phil Martin. His website, broadkillblogger.org, which also can be found on the MHS website, provides historical accounts of people and places in Milton during the early 1900s. Martin pleaded with attendees to search their scrapbooks and attics for any other photographs or items that can be added to the online collection, which already featured more than 500 articles and other media.

“We want to make this blog useful and enjoyable for the general public,” Martin said.

Kelly and other society members provided updates on programming planned for 2016, as well as the ongoing search for a new museum director, which is currently underway.

But the highlight of the evening was the recognition of this year's Volunteer of the Year award, which went to Milton resident Lee Revis-Plank.

“Volunteering builds meaning into your life,” said Volunteer Coordinator Patti Nicholson, who added that the historical society recorded more than 1,200 volunteer hours in 2015. “Volunteers share their times and talents without any compensation. They say a volunteer is not paid because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”

Revis-Plank was recognized for committing more than 235 hours to the museum last year, as well as for her energetic, caring, supportive and creative contributions, Nicholson said.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with [her] for several hours each week,” Nicholson said. “She brings not only tremendous leadership experience to her volunteer role, but also a collaborative and transparent approach, a thoughtful perspective and a real passion for working with other volunteers at the Milton Historical Society.”

For more information about the Milton Historical Society, stop by the Lydia B. Cannon Museum at 210 Union St. or go to www.historicmilton.org.