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Archiver > KYBRECKI > 2003-03 > 1046651336


From: "Shelby Williams" <>
Subject: Kentucky Historical Society
Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2003 19:28:56 -0500


If, you have not already heard the news, the Kentucky Historical Society is
again looking for a new director.

As a member of the historical society, and a patron who spends several hours
at the facility each week, I'm concerned with the direction the society
seems to be taking. A couple of years ago the historical society moved into
a new facility which ranks at the top or very near the top of the finest
research facilities in the country.

Unfortunately, since the move to the new building it appears as though our
membership has dropped! In the time that I have been using the library,
never once have I seen any mention of the Kentucky Historical Society, its
library, or the many services that are provided in ANY of the genealogical
magazines that I have and do continue to subscribe too.

I have attended conferences, and seminars outside the state in which we
should at the very least be represented by a speaker! It seems for whatever
reason we are a very well kept secret! Interest in our society needs to be
revived!

It seems as though the time has come for a director who wants the society to
grow and expand. I for one would like to see not only the first floor of
the library stack area filled with books, but also the addition of a second
floor!

The last director was brought in from out of state, which to me doesn't make
a lot of sense. It is time that the director of the historical society is a
Kentuckian, with knowledge of the history of the state, a vast knowledge of
the genealogical holdings within the state, the ability to understand the
needs of genealogical, and historical researchers, and the ability to work
with our state legislature for the benefit of the society.

I wish to nominate Mr. Ron D. Bryant as the new director of the Kentucky
Historical Society. Ron D. Bryant not only has seventeen years of experience
with the library, is a ninth generation Kentuckian, but is also extremely
knowledgeable of the history and genealogical holdings in Kentucky. He is a
noted librarian and lecturer on Kentucky, having written over eighty
articles, and is the author of Kentucky History - An Annotated Bibliography
published in 2000.

If Ron D. Bryant becomes director of the historical society, he has stated
that he will continue to help patrons with their research in the library. He
believes that the director needs to be aware of the patrons needs, and that
we must increase our membership.

As I mentioned above, I wish to nominate Ron D. Bryant for this position,
but I can't do so with your help. If, you agree with me, please send letters
to the following gentlemen advising them to name Ron D. Bryant Director of
the Kentucky Historical Society:

Selection Committee
c/o Mr. Walter Baker
917 S. Green Street
Glasgow, KY 42141-2086

Selection Committee
c/o Mr. Richard L. Taylor
335 Holt Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601

Selection Committee
c/o Mr. Thomas D. Clark
175 Kentucky Ave.
Lexington, KY 40502

Many thanks for your help.

Shelby A. Williams








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