in this issue From the President Major public exhibit "Best of the Best" recognition by library group Logo unveiled

To ensure that the Society is in the proper position to meet the future demands resulting from this growth, we recently undertook a six month long endeavor to recruit and build a Board of Trustees. Focusing on this board-building effort required us to temporarily set aside some of our other priorities (for example, you might have noticed that this is our first newsletter since early this year). And while we have had to make some sacrifices in our short-term operations and while we continue to experience some growing pains, we did have great success in building a board of trustees.

From the President

Greetings to each of the nearly 1,500 subscribers to our newsletter, "The Call To Remember." We have some incredibly exciting news to share with you.

For the past four years the Society has been led and directed by its founding family: Jean Decker; her daughters Susan Decker and Barbara Decker Wachholz; and her son-in-law Ted Wachholz. While this leadership worked reasonably well during these early years, it was becoming more and more apparent that a change was needed to continue to meet the needs of this growing organization.

Early this year we endeavored to build a Board of Trustees. And now, several months later, we have assembled a diverse group of individuals to be the stewards of YOUR society as we grow in the future. Simply click the link below to see our new Board of Trustees - we know that you will share in our excitement about the future!

Meet our Board of Trustees....

	Major public exhibit
For the third year in a row we have partnered with another fine organization to showcase the Eastland Disaster to the public. This year (and extending into 2003) the Michigan Maritime Museum features the Eastland Disaster at its location in South Haven, Michigan. Prior to opening in South Haven, the exhibit premiered at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago (eight months during 2000) before being moved to St. Joseph, Michigan and being showcased by the Berrien County Historical Association (seven months during 2001). Read on... »

	"Best of the Best" recognition by library group
Throughout the year we travel and present "The Eastland Disaster" at libraries, senior centers, churches, schools, and other facilities. Our public program recently was recognized as being one of the "Best of the Best" by the Library Administrators Conference of Northern Illinois (LACONI). Full Story »

	Logo unveiled
After months of behind the scenes work, the Society's new corporate logo was launched this week. Over the coming weeks and months, signs, stationery, publications, and websites are all set to change. You will notice that people (a family unit) are the focal point of the logo. The steamer Eastland remains an important part of the logo, yet to a lesser degree than the people. The smokestacks remind one of candles burning as a memorial commemorating those whose lives were affected by the tragedy. Said Vice President and Co-Founder Susan Decker: "This stylish new logo reflects the people focus at the core of the Society. It elevates the identity of the Society to a level more in keeping with its position as one of Chicago's leading historical societies. What we are introducing here is more than just a logo; it is a fresh look at the way we wish to be perceived through every aspect of our communications." We hope that you will agree that the new logo reflects the people/family/personal focus that has always been the core of the Society. Click here to see our new corporate identity »

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