The Orange Community Historical Society celebrated its 35th anniversary at the Annual Dinner on Jan. 24, 2008.
The highlight of the OCHS calendar, the Annual Dinner provides an opportunity for those interested in Orange history to gather together and listen to a fascinating speaker. This year, Orange County archivist Phil Brigandi—a past president of OCHS and author of many books about Orange, including The City ‘Round the Plaza—highlighted the society’s 35th anniversary by delving into its history: “the people, events, and projects that have brought us to today,” he says.
“This includes people like Florence Smiley and other founders of the society; events like our home tours beginning in 1984; and projects like the Smiley Archives, now housed at the new Orange Public Library and History Center.”
Brigandi was not a member of the society when it got its start in 1973—but he attended his first meeting three short years later, and joined the board of directors two years after that, at the age of 18.
At the annual dinner, former OCHS boardmember Bruce Sinclair received the William T. Glassell Award for his outstanding contributions to local history preservation. Among his accomplishments, Sinclair started the OCHS oral history program.
|
Last updated 04/30/2008 04:26 PM |