Historical Society prepares to celebrate 100 years of preservation

Warwick - The Under the Tent Committee co-chairs and curator of the Warwick Historical Society are gearing up for this year’s annual fundraiser and gala event “Under the Tent Centennial Benefit” on Saturday, Aug. 26. The public is invited to attend this time-honored affair and to enjoy a summer evening of fine dining and dancing to the strains of 100 years of music (by J&N Music of Warwick). Branding this year’s event will be an original piece of artwork created especially for this occasion by local artist Bill Bartsch. The Historical Society of the Town of Warwick was founded in 1906. Since then the non-profit, voluntary educational association has restored and maintained nine historic properties within the Historic District, overseen the acquisition and safeguarding of several important collections and overseen the placement of many historic plaques throughout the area. Proceeds from the “Under the Tent Centennial Benefit” will be used to preserve and maintain Warwick’s historic buildings and collections of artifacts as well as producing numerous community social, cultural and educational events throughout the year. As in the past this year’s event includes a silent auction with items reflecting some of the buildings and their connection to the Warwick community and beyond, including: • The use of the Old School Baptist Meeting House for a ceremony and reception in the Herb Garden of the 1810 House. • A personal guided tour of the buildings and collections by the society curator Michael Bertolini, followed by a catered gourmet picnic on the ground of Lewis Park. Also keeping to the theme, this year’s raffle prize will be a Mystery Chest filled with One Hundred Years of Treasures. The celebration is scheduled for Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lewis Park on Main Street in the Village of Warwick. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased in the office at the Baird Tavern, by calling 986-3236, by e-mail at whs6@optonline.net or by visiting the Web site at www.warwickhistoricalsociety.org.