Still time to join Marblehead Female Humane Society and be invited to members' appreciation champagne and dessert party

The Marblehead Female Humane Society [MFHS], Marblehead’s oldest charitable organization, extends an invitation to the entire community to join the Society before September 9, 2016, to receive an invitation to the Champagne and Dessert Reception to thank members for their unwavering support.

The members’ reception will be held on Sunday, September 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Jeremiah Lee Mansion.

Keeping with tradition, Lee Weed, the organization’s Directress, said, “As it was in 1816, so it is now. Our membership dues remain at $1.20 per year and the need for assistance never abates.”

Membership is open to men and women.

“In this the 200th Anniversary of our founding,” Weed said, “we are humbled by the work of those women who have gone before us and honored to continue to walk that same path in the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor.”

The Marblehead Female Humane Society was founded and organized by the Reverend John Bartlett on November 19, 1816. At that time, 125 women subscribed to become the first members.

In 1836, only 20 years after its founding, then secretary of the society, A.W. Swett wrote, “Little did some of us think when entering our names as members of this Society 20 years ago, of the length of time it would continue, or the amount of relief it would be enabled to afford. Many associations of kindred objects have sprung up by its side, & for a while looked fair & flourishing-but they have proved but annual plants; & scorched by the summer’s sun, or chilled by the frosts of winter, have withered & died-but this, like the elm, has been gaining strength with its years till its sheltering branches have been thrown over many of the children of misfortune, who have sought refuge beneath them. Long may it be enabled so to do. Long may it be before the drought of selfishness shall leave its roots to dry up, or the winds of contention divide & scatter its branches.”

True to MFHS’s motto, the organization has been “a beacon of hope and help since 1816,” providing financial support to Marblehead residents – individuals and families – as well as offering support for services that benefit Marblehead including contributions to Anchor to Windward, Jewish Family Services, Marblehead Children’s Center, Marblehead Community Counseling Center, Marblehead Council on Aging, Marblehead Food Bank, Marblehead / Swampscott YMCA Camperships, METCO’s “Sunshine Fund, Nancamp, and The VNA Monthly Clinic.

“Because of the confidential nature of much of our work, we have traditionally worked quietly in the community,” Weed said. “But during this remarkable milestone year, we are planning to come a bit out of the shadows with a year of celebratory events.”

To join MFHS, please send your name and address along with the $1.20 dues for an individual membership and any additional donations to Marblehead Female Humane Society, PO Box 425, Marblehead, MA 01945.

For individuals seeking assistance, MFHS considers requests that benefit only Marblehead residents, those who have lived in Marblehead for two years. Requests must first be reviewed and submitted by The Marblehead Council on Aging, The Marblehead Counseling Center, the Guidance Department at the Marblehead Public Schools or members of the Marblehead clergy.

Please visit marbleheadfemalehumanesociety.org or follow Marblehead Female Humane Society on Facebook for updates.