The Redmond Historical Society (RHS) is welcoming new board members this year.
John Oftebro will serve as the new society president, Margy Rockenbeck as vice president, Indira Krishnaswami as vice president of finance, Halee Turner as vice president of collections, and Anju K. Anad as secretary. The new directors at large are ChuNi Kao for the IT committee, Akanksha Joshi as volunteer coordinator, and Ed O’Brien as facilities coordinator.
The officers were elected Nov. 10, 2018 and will serve a two-year term. RHS currently meets in the Vision 5 Apartments building on 8525 163rd Court NE #120. The organization will be moving back into the Old Redmond Schoolhouse come fall.
RHS is a nonprofit organization that is recognized as a primary source for historical information in the greater Redmond area. Its mission is to serve the community through “stewardship: collecting, preserving and sharing Redmond’s unique heritage,” according to its website.
Oftebro said he is looking forward to working with the board.
“It’s exciting and a little overwhelming,” he said about the new position. “With any long standing position like that, it’s a little daunting but we’ve got a great board to work with.”
As the new president, Oftebro said he is looking forward to moving ahead with activities throughout the year. He plans to continue preserving Redmond’s rich history, to develop more activities in collection, and properly collect them and take care of them.
The main goal is to move the society back into the schoolhouse in the fall. Oftebro said that space will allow them to display art and collections, adding that it is significant to provide a sustainable financial pathway for the society.
Oftebro also said they are paying attention to historical shifts. RHS is interested in Redmond history, as well as more modern history. He hopes for the society to expand its history in order to be relevant to the modern history as well.
“Acknowledging history is important,” Oftebro said. “With all the changes in the world today, the society gives you a great grounding. [It’s] important for people to be grounded in the community.”
Rockenbeck said she joined the society before she even moved to Redmond. She is a founding member as well as a life member of the society. She joined the society in 1999 as a way to become part of the community.
“I find it quite daunting to follow in [the previous senior vice president’s] footsteps, but I’m looking forward to doing my best,” said Rockenbeck
Krishnaswami said she is happy that the society members elected her for the position.
“I am excited to be part of the executive committee and to contribute towards a great cause,” she said.
Krishnaswami has big dreams for the society and said she hopes for Redmond to have a historical museum one day.
“Redmond is changing rapidly and preserving its history is very important for current and future generations,” said Krishnaswami.
RHS hosted its first ice cream social on Jan. 12 at the Redmond Senior Center.
The Redmond Historical Society hosted their first ice cream social on Jan. 12 at the Redmond Senior Center. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo.
Their next event will be the RHS Saturday Speaker Series on from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Feb. 9. The series takes place every second Saturday at the Redmond Senior Center.
To learn more about the Redmond Historical Society, visit www. redmondhistoricalsociety.org.
