Annual Meeting, 2011
Program and Meeting Agenda Chairman's Report, Elizabeth Beim Executive Director's Report, Listen to the Annual Meeting, including the MV Medal Acceptance Speeches by Press:
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2011 MV Medal Winners (from left to right): Joan Norton (for S. Bailey Norton, Jr.), Francine Kelly, and Marian Halperin.
Martha's Vineayrd Medal Recipients
Marian Halperin
Introduced by James B Richardson, III
Marian Halperin began her association with the Museum in 1973 when she served as secretary to the board of directors; she held the directorship position from 1985 through 1991. In 1983, Halperin was awarded the inaugural Creative Living Award, which recognizes Vineyarders who contributed significantly to the quality of life on the Island. Halperin spent untold hours transcribing the letters of an Edgartown boy fighting in the Civil War, that culminated in the 2008 publication of Your Affectionate Son, Charlie Mac. She is now working at the Museum transcribing the diaries of two sisters from the 18th century. Halperin also serves on the boards of multiple Historical Commissions and spends much of her time doing volunteer work.
Francine Kelly
Introduced by Ann Smith and Janis Smith-Gomez
Francine Kelly is a huge supporter of the arts. Kelly served as a docent at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and on the boards of many other organizations. In 2000, she became the director of Community Initiatives at the Indianapolis Children's Museum and used the Museum's influence to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. Kelly fulfilled her dream of 'retiring' to the Vineyard in March, 2003. By April 2003, she was named the executive director of Featherstone Center for the Arts, which soon saw an increase in the number of gallery shows, class offerings, and collaborations with other island organizations. She retired from Featherstone in the fall of 2010, but continues to assist with many other art and culture-based organizations.
S. Bailey Norton, Jr.
Introduced by S. Christopher Scott
Bailey Norton the author of the widely-acclaimed memoir My Long Journey Home: A Life Worth Living, Norton chronicles the hardships of making a living on the water. Norton joined the Museum's board of directors in 1983, and served until 1996. From 1985 to 1988, he was president. Interested in the preservation of island history, Norton has contributed to the Museum's collections and helped secure donated artifacts from others. Norton has also long been involved in local organizations including the Edgartown Yacht Club where, in 1990, he was instrumental in moving the Junior Yacht Club into larger quarters. Norton currently serves on the Edgartown Harbor Planning Group.