Historical Association

By-Laws of Bridgewater Historical Association

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this Organization is, Bridgewater Historical Association.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of this Organization shall be:
This Corporation is organized for all purposes permitted under Title 13-B, MRSA, but specifically to preserve and protect historical landmarks in said Town of Bridgewater and create interest of local inhabitants therein, and to preserve and foster a local interest in the heritage, customs and mores of the inhabitants.

ARTICLE III: OFFICERS

First The officers of this Corporation shall be President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. There shall be a Registered Agent and a Board of Trustees, with a minimum number being three (3) and a maximum number being nine (9).

Second The President shall have the general control and management of the Corporation subject to any specific power delegated by the Board of Trustees and shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Trustees of which he/she shall be Chairman and at all meetings of the Members.

Third The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his/her absence.

Fourth The Treasurer shall keep accurate records of all money received and paid out and shall have the custody of all financial property and all financial records. All funds shall be paid out as directed by the President up to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). Above that, it shall be paid out as directed by the Board of Trustees. The Treasurer shall make a report, when required, of the financial condition of the Corporation, He/she shall give such bond as the Board of Trustees may require for the faithful discharge of his/her duties.

Fifth The Secretary shall be the Clerk of the Board of Trustees and shall keep a faithful record of all meetings of the Board of Trustees and all meetings of the Corporation. The Secretary shall send proper notices of meetings of the Board of Trustees and the Corporation and generally perform such duties as may be required by the President and the Board of Trustees.

Sixth The Registered Agent shall be elected by the Members. He/shee shall be a resident of the State of Maine, shall keep the records thereof and faithfully perform all duties required by the Statue.

Seventh The Board of Trustees shall range from three (3) to nine (9) in number and each Trustee shall serve for a three (3) year term except, because the initial Board of Trustees was comprised of nine (9) Trustees, initially three (3) were elected for a one (1) year term; three (3) were elected for a two (2) year term; and three (3) were elected for a three (3) year term; so that each year there shall be an election of one-third (1/3) of the Trustees, and they shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified. They shall hold meetings when called by the President or a majority of their own number upon two (2) days written notice. A majority of their number shall constitute a quorum to transact business of the Corporation.

Eighth The Members shall elect by ballot all officers of the Corporation and the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: There shall be only one class of Members. Persons wishing to become Members must make application to the Board of Trustees and the Board of Trustees, in their sole discretion, may, approve or disapprove such membership.

Section 2: Each Member shall pay an application fee and/or annual dues, as determined by the Board of Trustees.

Section 3: A copy of the By-Laws is to be given to all new Members.

Section 4: Members may be suspended for failing to live up to and abide by the spirit and letter of the By-Laws on a majority vote of the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS

Section 1: The annual meeting of the Members will be held at the Bridgewater Community Center in said Bridgewater, or at such other place as the Board of Trustees may elect on day of choice in January of each year. At the annual meeting the Membership shall elect by ballot a Registered Agent, Board of Trustees, and Officers as determined by these By-Laws. A majority of the Members shall constitute a quorum and voting shall be in person. No proxy shall be valid. Notices of the annual meeting shall be posted by public notice at least five (5) days prior to such meeting.
Special meetings of the Members may be held at such place as the Board of Trustees may direct and may be held at any time on the order of the President, or on request in writing, or by vote of majority of the Board of Trustees, or on demand in writing by a majority of the Members.
Notice of any Special Meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary of the Board of Trustees to each Member entitled to vote at said meeting at least three (3) days prior to the time of such meeting and the business to be there transacted and no other business shall be transacted at such meeting.
If all the Members in writing waive notice of any meeting, no notice of such meeting shall be required. When one-third (1/3) of the Members are present in person or by proxy at any meeting and sign a written consent thereto upon the record thereof, any corporate action taken at such meeting shall be legal and valid.

Section 2: All Officers shall hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

Section 3: The By-Laws may be amended by a two-third (2/3) majority vote of the Members at a regular meeting held for that purpose.

ARTICLE VI: MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1: No corporate seal is required by Law, but, if for any reason whatsoever a corporate seal is required, then the seal of the Corporation shall be a circular disc upon which shall be inscribed the words "Bridgewater Historical Association, Seal 1989, Bridgewater, Maine".

Section 2: All checks for the payment of money must be signed by the President and/or the Treasurer.

Revised: January, 2006