Rick Gildersleeve Wins Portland Historical Society's 2013 Van Beyunm Award

From the Portland Historical Society:

The Portland Historical Society presented the 2013 William J. Van Beyunm Award to Richard Gildersleeve, at their membership meeting on June 25 at Trinity Church.

The William J. Van Beynum award is presented in memory of Bill Van Beynum (1912-1980) a Portland resident noted as a researcher, local historian and author. The award recognizes the long term commitment and contributions of an individual in furthering the mission of the Portland Historical Society to collect, preserve and share material and information significant to the history of Portland, Connecticut.

Rick Gildersleeve, this year’s honoree, served as Program Chair, 1984-1987, President of the Society 1988-1990, as a Director 1991-1996, on the Collections Board 2011-2012 and as Co-Chair of the House Tour Committee. Rick has also served on numerous committees including the Historic Home Plaque Committee, Parade Float Committee, Calendar Committee, The Ruth Callander House Committee and has volunteered as Museum Docent, Fair Booth host, Newsletter editor and has presented programs on the Gildersleeve Shipyards.

His most recent project has involved cataloging the ninety-four volume set of Gildersleeve Store ledgers 1841-1908, for the Society’s archive. Rick also hosted a popular Portland Trivia program for several years at the annual picnic.

Recipients are selected annually by the Board of Trustees to convey the appreciation and thanks of the Society to volunteers who have contributed to the Society’s success.