2012 Membership Drive

The York Sunbury Historical Society is starting its annual Fall membership drive!!  I would like to give our current membership a big thank you for the past year!

Thanks to our members, in 2011 the York Sunbury Historical Society and Museum had several fabulous and sticky children’s programs, published the second War Bride issue of the Officers’ Quarters (another Officers’ Quarters is currently being prepared).  The Fredericton Region Museum had thousands of visitors and hosted many group tours, a community open house, fundraisers and opened the medical exhibit!  We have continued to make improvements to our artefact storage areas and have been fortunate to have had several amazing artefacts donated to the collection!  It was a big year and it’s not done yet!

The Objective of the Museum is to collect, preserve and interpret historical data, records and objects relating to the history of the Province of New Brunswick, and in particular that of York and Sunbury Counties.  It is the place to go to learn about the history of Fredericton and the capital region!

We hope that in 2012 we will continue what we started this year and maybe start a few new projects including a War of 1812 exhibit!  So if you are a current York Sunbury Historical Society member, please renew and if you are not a member then please review our membership levels, print a membership form and join!

Your membership in York Sunbury Historical Society assures you fantastic opportunities to programs, free admission to the Museum, a subscription to the Officers’ Quarters, discounted facility rentals and an open invitation to exhibit openings, museum functions and special events.

Now Seeking 2011 Martha J. Harvey Award Nominations

Martha J. Harvey was a founder of the York Sunbury Historical Society, which was established in 1932.  She was a president of Fredericton Women’s Institute, an involved member of the Social Service Council, and was deeply committed to the welfare of the greater Fredericton community.

The Martha J. Harvey Award of Distinction is presented to individuals, or groups, who have shown a dedicated commitment to the goals of the York Sunbury Historical Society.  Past awards have honoured those who have made significant contributions in writing the history of central New Brunswick, in preserving its artefacts and heritage buildings, or in offering exemplary service to the Society in its efforts to discover and preserve the history and heritage of York and Sunbury counties.

On December 8, 2010, the York Sunbury Historical Society presented two Martha J. Harvey Awards.  Firstly, an award was given to The Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society at the University of New Brunswick who is devoted to the study of war and the complex social and human situations that arise from it. The Centre runs a visiting speakers program and local conferences, many open to the general public. It is also the publisher of, ‘The Journal of Conflict Studies’ and books and articles by its staff and faculty.

The second Martha J. Harvey Award was presented to the Honorable David Dickson for long and meritorious service or contribution to the Society.  Since his retirement, Dickson dedicated much of his time to history and education through special presentations at schools, university classes and community groups.

Past Recipients:
1981 – Lt. Gen E.W. Sansom
1984 – Senator Muriel Fergusson
1984 – Lucy McNeil
1985 – Dr. Alfred Baily
1985 – Dr. D.J. McLeod
1986 – Louise Hill
1987 – Fred H. Phillips
1988 – Dr. Elizabeth McGahan
1988 – Dr. Stuart Smith
1989 – Dr. James Chapman
1990 – Alden J. Clark
1991 – Dr. Ivan H. Crowell
1992 – Velma Kelly
1993 – Ted Jones
1993 – Dr. Murray Young
1994 – Donna Wallace
1995 – Richard Bird
1996 – Fred White
1998 – Ruth Scott
2000 – Government of New Brunswick Heritage Branch
2004 – Frederick Wilmot Hubbard
2005 – Mr. & Mrs. T.W. Acheson
2009 – Paul O’Connell
2010 – The Honorable David Dickson and The Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society

Officers’ Quarter’s articles pertaining to the award:
Volume 10, Number 3 (Summer 1994) – The Royal Tour of 1939, “The Martha J. Harvey Award of Distinction” by Ted Jones (page 8). Available for download on this page.

Volume 15, Number 1 & 2 (Spring and Summer 1999) – A Publication of the York-Sunbury Historical Society, Inc. “Congratulations Ruth Scott! …” by Ted Jones (page 15). Available for download on this page.

Content of articles may not be reproduced, retransmitted, disseminated, sold, distributed, published, broadcast or circulated without permission.

The York Sunbury Historical Society is announcing a call for nominations for the annual Award of Distinction for outstanding individual contribution to the field of history of Central New Brunswick. Any member(s) in good standing of the York Sunbury Historical Society may nominate a candidate for the award. The committee believes the award should be considered in two select categories: For outstanding contribution in the field of New Brunswick history, with particular interest and applicability to central New Brunswick. – OR – For long and meritorious service or contribution to the Society.

2011 Martha J Harvey Award Nomination Form