"We can't find anything wrong with animal visits," says Mimi Einstein, society president and a regular volunteer.

Mr. Vitale made no apologies for the $30,000 he collects every year as society president.

(A seventh volume was commissioned by his successor as society president, Joseph Rutherford, and published in 1917.)

"This is true country living," the historical society president said proudly - and a bit defiantly.

The society president, Brian Adair, and his colleagues argue that legal aid is too important to be the target of such economising.

William Ralph Maxon served repeatedly as the society president.

And the new society president, Anthony Smith, is also a director of South 40 Corporation, which helps former inmates find jobs.

Ellen Wilson, who was elected society president the night the group decided to bid, said the two handwritten letters made the discovery significant.

"So many people don't come to museums because they think they're stuffy or not very interesting, but everyone loves fireworks," said Carol Bleser, the society president.

He also served intermittently as society president, and was elected to that position in 1868.