PHOTO COURTESY OF PASCACK HISTORICAL SOCIETY THE PASCACK HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS AN ALL-VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION. TWO YOUNG VOLUNTEERS WERE HONORED RECENTLY FOR THEIR WORK AT THE SOCIETY’S MUSEUM THIS SUMMER. ELIZABETH “LIBBY” RELLA, 12, SECOND FROM RIGHT, WAS NAMED OUTSTANDING SUMMER VOLUNTEER AND WAS PRESENTED WITH A PLAQUE BY RICK RICCARDO, SOCIETY TRUSTEE. HER SISTER, KATHERINE ‘KATE’ RELLA, 14, FAR RIGHT, WAS ALSO RECOGNIZED FOR HER CONTRIBUTIONS AND PRESENTED WITH A CERTIFICATE. THE SISTERS ARE THE GRANDDAUGHTERS OF KATIE RANDALL, OF WESTWOOD, ALSO A SOCIETY TRUSTEE, PICTURED AT LEFT.

In its more than 60-year history, the Pascack Historical Society has never had a paid employee.
Over the years, in relative anonymity, members and trustees have seen to it that the thousands of items entrusted to the society are preserved and protected for future generations. The society also makes its collections available to historians – both amateur and professional – for study, stages exhibits several times a year, offers tours of the barrier-free museum on Sundays and Wednesdays (and at other times, by appointment), and has never charged an admission fee.
The very popular, “Pascack Adventures” educational program for children has instilled the importance of history in hundreds of Pascack Valley youngsters, whether they are learning about archeology at the “Stones & Bones” program or becoming “history detectives” during a special program the society brings to area elementary schools.
Many in the Pascack Valley eagerly await the society’s “Curiosity Sale” where everything from antiques (not from the society’s collection), to lithographs, rare books and homemade baked goods are offered for sale. All the items are donated to the society for resale and the proceeds are used to support museum programs, and for building maintenance and utilities.
The society’s quarterly publication, “Relics”; its Web site, and every exhibit and program are produced by society volunteers.
To say that the non-profit organization operates on a “shoe-string” budget is an understatement. That they have maintained and expanded the society’s collections and its historic building while depending on membership dues and private donations speaks to the dedication and resolve of the trustees who have dedicated so much time and energy to the preservation of the history of the Pascack Valley.
None seek recognition for their efforts. They are content, knowing that their work will be appreciated by future generations They are fulfilling the society’s mission: “Preserving the Past for the Future.”
Recently, though, the contributions of a number of volunteers were recognized at a low-key albeit festive adjunct to a trustees’ meeting.
Mary Sheerins, of Park Ridge, was recognized for work as the society’s textile preservation coordinator. The society’s collection is extensive and includes clothing and millinery that chronicles the history of dress from the 18th century through the present day. The society has had two extremely popular exhibits of historic bridal attire, all from its own collection. Acquisition and preservation of antique wearing apparel is high on the society’s priority list.

THE PASCACK HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECENTLY HONORED VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORK OF THE SOCIETY. AMONG THEM WAS EUNICE KESPER, 93, OF EMERSON. SHE IS PICTURED, ABOVE LEFT, WITH A DOLL THAT SHE RESTORED. IT WAS LEFT ON THE MUSEUM’S BACK PORCH IN A BAG ALONG WITH SOME CLOTHING. WHEN SHE FOUND IT, SHE DECIDED TO TRY TO ‘BRING IT BACK TO LIFE.’ SHE REATTACHED LEGS, WASHED AND IRONED THE DRESS, BOUGHT A NEW WIG AND HAT AND RESTORED HER FACE. GEORGE SHERMAN, ABOVE RIGHT, CHAIR OF THE SOCIETY’S EDUCATION COMMITTEE, WAS RECOGNIZED FOR DEVELOPING THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ‘STONES & BONES’ ARCHEOLOGICAL DIG PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN. HE IS PICTURED HERE DURING ONE OF THE PROGRAMS HELD THIS SUMMER, EXPLAINING PROPER ARCHEOLOGICAL PROCEDURES BEFORE THE PARTICIPANTS BEGAN THEIR DIG.

Eunice Kesper, of Emerson, who grew up in the Pascack Valley, has been a society trustee for more than 10 years. She was recognized for “excellence in display design.” Her expertise is evident in the latest exhibit that opened at the society on Oct. 5, “Treasures from our Museum: Eclectic Art from our Collection.” Featuring oil paintings, lithographs and engravings, the exhibit can be viewed during regular museum hours: Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and at other times, by appointment, through March. Francesca Moskowitz, society president, said, “Eunice is 93 years old – we call her our, “Energizer Bunny.”
George Sherman, of Westwood, was recognized for his Education Committee leadership. He developed the “Stones & Bones” archeological digs. On a visit to Jamestown, Virginia, he saw the dig they were doing there and developed the program based on their program.
Edward Martine, of Park Ridge, was dubbed, “Most Valuable Player” for all-around work at the museum. Moskowitz said, smiling, “No job is too big or too small for Ed. He paints, polishes and also leads tours at the museum. He’s the fellow who came in six months ago for a tour – which he never got – and we put him to work moving furniture!”
This summer, the society had two young volunteers Elizabeth “Libby” Rella, 12, and her sister Katharine “Kate” Rella, 14. Moskowitz said, “They worked every Wednesday throughout the summer in the Ephemera Department.” Libby and Kate are the granddaughters of Katie Randall, of Westwood, a longtime society trustee.
The “value” of volunteers cannot be overestimated – they are the lifeblood of the society. New members are always welcome. Those who are interested in volunteering will find an opportunity that suits their interests and schedule.
Visit society’s Web site – www.pascackhistoricalsociety.com – or call 201-573-0307 for more information.
Kathryn A. Burger's e-mail address is burger@northjersey.com.