Manhattan Beach Historical Society Seeks "Pioneers"
Dec 08, 2014 10:16PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
The Manhattan Beach Historical Society headquarters on Manhattan Beach Boulevard at Polliwog Park
Are you a lifelong Manhattan Beach resident? If you've called Manhattan Beach home for 50 years or more, the Manhattan Beach Historical Society wants to recognize you and help you share your stories.
The group has just approved the new membership categories of Pioneer (50+ year resident), Associate Pioneer (30-50 yr resident), and Sons and Daughters of Pioneers (direct descendants of a Pioneer), for the purpose of increasing awareness and membership of the Historical Society, sharing and preserving Manhattan Beach history, and creating a sense of fellowship among the town's longstanding residents.
James Gill, a third-generation resident who is spearheading the Pioneer concept, said the plan is to have a quarterly meeting at the museum where a Pioneer will share his or her family history. "All who are interested are encouraged to attend these meetings," says Gill. The group hopes to compile written and video recollections to add to the known history of Manhattan Beach.
First, however, Gill's primary goal is to build awareness and reach out to as many interested parties as possible to cretae a roster of Pioneers. Residents who believe they qualify for one of the tiers of Pioneer status are also encouraged to visit the Manhattan Beach HIstorical Society Facebook page and learn more.
Those who qualify as Pioneers will receive a small discount over Manhattan Beach Historical Society membership fees ($20 for a regular membership rather than $25), plus a certificate showing their Pioneer status.
Gill gives credit to Don Spencer and Rob Wilson, two 70+ year residents of Manhattan Beach, for helping to develop and successfully create the Pioneer concept. He is also encouraging Manhattan Beach residents who are interested in genealogy and local history to check out First Families of the South Bay.
The group has just approved the new membership categories of Pioneer (50+ year resident), Associate Pioneer (30-50 yr resident), and Sons and Daughters of Pioneers (direct descendants of a Pioneer), for the purpose of increasing awareness and membership of the Historical Society, sharing and preserving Manhattan Beach history, and creating a sense of fellowship among the town's longstanding residents.
James Gill, a third-generation resident who is spearheading the Pioneer concept, said the plan is to have a quarterly meeting at the museum where a Pioneer will share his or her family history. "All who are interested are encouraged to attend these meetings," says Gill. The group hopes to compile written and video recollections to add to the known history of Manhattan Beach.
First, however, Gill's primary goal is to build awareness and reach out to as many interested parties as possible to cretae a roster of Pioneers. Residents who believe they qualify for one of the tiers of Pioneer status are also encouraged to visit the Manhattan Beach HIstorical Society Facebook page and learn more.
Those who qualify as Pioneers will receive a small discount over Manhattan Beach Historical Society membership fees ($20 for a regular membership rather than $25), plus a certificate showing their Pioneer status.
Gill gives credit to Don Spencer and Rob Wilson, two 70+ year residents of Manhattan Beach, for helping to develop and successfully create the Pioneer concept. He is also encouraging Manhattan Beach residents who are interested in genealogy and local history to check out First Families of the South Bay.
