F&M North Museum Project
November 29, 1972, was a very significant date in the history of the Lancaster Rotary Club. This was the date the Club overwhelmingly endorsed the project known as the Lancaster Rotary Club Public School Program of the North Museum. After years of waiting and searching for a single large project to emerge which was comparable in size and scope to the Rotary Home project, it appeared a worthy endeavor was at hand. John Fitzpatrick chaired the Rotary Projects Committee at the time and provided the leadership required to consummate the agreement between the Club and the North Museum. The salient provisions of the agreement were: (1) The Club was to pay the North Museum $3,600 per year for five years; (2) The Club would make efforts to increase the charitable fund by donations and bequests; (3) The Club would engage the interests of members and wives as volunteers in the programs and activities of the museum.
In 1973, Bob Phillips, perhaps the most dedicated Rotarian with respect to the North Museum Project, gave a presentation to the Club entitled "The Kids at North." He related some of the highlights of his work with the school children at the North Museum, and he brought live snakes for a touch of realism.
On November 21, Fitzpatrick, Rotary Projects Committee Chairman, cited Rotarians Jim Snavely, Ed Carr, Bob Phillips, Charlie Bitler and John McGrann for their fine work with the North Museum project.
On May 8, 1974, the Club's program was " Lunch Under the Stars" at the Franklin Residence of Franklin & Marshall College, followed by a trip to the planetarium of the North Museum. Phillips, who practically dedicated his entire life to the North Museum Rotary Club Project in those days, very professionally guided Club members from galaxy to galaxy. Mick Ranck, Transmitter reporter covering the event, said humorously, "Many members demonstrated the physical effect on the human body by relaxing on a reclining chair in a dark room following a big lunch. And George Reynolds demonstrated the effect of walking immediately from bright sunlight into planetarium darkness." The program was well done and clearly demonstrated that our support of the Museum was an extremely worthwhile venture.
In keeping with the Club's interest in the North Museum, Professor John Cavanaugh delivered a fascinating talk on his duties and experiences at the museum.
Phillips, clearly the strongest link between the Club and the North Museum, brought us a delightfully entertaining and educational program on outer space in October. With the use of some excellent graphic aids, he managed to give us all some perspective as to our infinitesimal significance in the total universe.
In 1976, a meeting was held at the new Franklin & Marshall College Center which had just recently been completed. The luncheon, served at the new building, was followed by a tour of the center and a special planetarium program at the North Museum entitled "Martians to Microbes."
The 1978 February 8th Transmitter reported that the North Museum Benefit Ball, held on January 28, had been a smashing success.
Much consideration was given in the summer and fall of 1978 by the Rotary Projects Committee as to what major projects should be undertaken by the Club, the commitment to the North Museum having been fulfilled.
Dr. W. Fred Kinsey, III, Director of the North Museum, spoke to the Club in April of 1979. Dr. Kinsey remarked, "The North Museum contributes without charge to the quality of life, the values, and the broad educational experience of the public." At the same meeting, Howard L. Feather, Associate Curator of the North Museum, was presented with the annual Community Service Award for his distinguished and selfless.
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