Member Appreciation and Meeting at Vineland Historical Society

From left: Jennifer Hainley, Shirley Giddens, Dawn Hunter, Deborah Boerner Ein, and Jerilyn Mounier.

Members are the key to the success of the Vineland Historical Society. And members were celebrated and acknowledged at the Vineland Historical Society’s Annual Member’s meeting and appreciation held recently. Valerie Neuber, president of the Board of Trustees, presented a slideshow recap of the past year’s events and programs.Gratitude was expressed to the many organizations and businesses that supported and partnered with the Historical Society. 

The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Meredith Koenig, for her dedication and commitment to beautifying the landscape, supporting the ecosystem and preserving Vineland’s history and cultural heritage. Meredith works tirelessly in the rain garden, from weeding and planting to providing labels for each plant specimen. The once empty lot has been transformed into an inviting “green” space, where one can sit, read a book, and observe the butterflies and birds. 

The Originality Award was presented to Shirley Giddens, whose creative, “think outside the box” program ideas include the Edgar Allen Poe “Night in Nevermore” and a celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday. The Culinary Creations Award was presented to Sheila Kanaley for her gastronomic delights, such as lemon posset and POE-tato leek soup.

Jen Hainley, Events Committee chairperson, introduced the newly formed “Matilda Society” and the inductees. Each inductee was given a certificate and replica cameo pin, which Matilda Landis wore at her neckline. 

The Matilda Society was created to honor the spirit and legacy of Matilda Landis, one of Vineland’s notable figures and a woman whose leadership, compassion, and community involvement helped shape our city’s early history. The founding of Vineland and the shaping of this utopian town was the brainchild of its founder, Charles K. Landis, but behind the scenes was his sister, Matilda, who forged her own path of community service and involvement that resonates today.

Six women who embody Matilda’s dedication to service, leadership, and care for others were inducted into the Matilda Society. Two women were inducted posthumously—Matilda Tyson Landis and Mary Treat, 19th century Vineland naturalist and author.

Four more women were honored as Matilda Society inductees for 2025:

• Deborah Boerner Ein, author of Mary Treat: A Biography (purchase from publisher using QR code below or learn more at https://www.marytreat.com, events committee member, volunteer

• Shirley Giddens, teacher, events committee member, volunteer

• Jerilyn Mounier, volunteer docent and events committee member

• Dawn Hunter, Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce executive director

After presentation of the awards, members enjoyed refreshments and an exhibit of the Landis family cameos, including the one that Matilda is wearing in her portrait, shown below. 

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

If you’re looking for a different kind of gift, consider a gift of history. A Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society (VHAS) membership includes invitations to special and members-only events, the Vineland Historical Magazine, and a 10 percent discount at the museum gift shop. Annual membership donations are as follows:

Junior (up to age 17): $10

Senior (ages 62 and above): $20

Individual: $35

Family: $50

Patron: $100

Steward: $250

Apply for memberships and gift memberships at discovervinelandhistory.org or call 856-691-1111. VHAS is a 501c3 non-profit, non-governmental organization. Donations are tax deductible, as provided within the law.