BOONE, Iowa—A new Boone County Historical Society Board of Directors was selected by members attending a reconvened Annual Membership meeting on Tuesday.  The original meeting in January was recessed after the board and officers at that time resigned their positions and left the meeting.  Volunteers then stepped up to serve as a temporary board with the intent of preserving the Boone County Historical Society.  Charles Irwin, former Executive Director for the Historical Society, served as the President of the temporary board and described the service as “bridging the gap” until a new, permanent board was established.

The temporary board did take some actions, raising during a very short period about $6,000 to pay utility bills and insurance. They also re-established memberships that had been terminated and rescinded letters warning that individuals would be trespassing on Historical Society properties.  Irwin said they also advised their legal counsel that they were dropping a counter law suite against a group that initiated legal action against the Historical Society, and it’s previous board and administration.  He said they also took steps to remove the Historical Society, as an entity, from that lawsuit.

On the matter of the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace, Irwin said contact has been made with the Eisenhower Museum which had loaned several items to the Boone County Historical Society.  All items have been asked to be returned by the Eisenhower Museum.

The membership at the meeting did select a board of 14 members, four of which were then selected to be officers.  The President of the Board is Michael Waterbury, Vice-President is Shirley Walrod, Secretary is Sandra Devin and Treasurer is Judy Russell.  Other Board Members at the meeting were Larry Adams, Linda Blakely, Curt Condon, Joe Devin, Karl Jungbluth, Janet Krengel and John Stephenson.  Those not in attendance at the meeting, but selected to the Board were Bill Lusher, Scott Smith and Paula Vaughn.