| ARCHIVES
Suggested Outline for Writing a Local Association History
By Marilyn L. Heneghan
Introduction
The introduction of the history should state the occasion of the publication (fiftieth anniversary, etc.), and how and why the board was established. It can also include information about the city or county, and the characteristics of real estate business at the time of establishment. Indicate the sources used for the information and include your acknowledgments to those who gave you information or assisted you in completing the history. It can be written by the author or the committee chairman responsible for the history.
Contents
A chronological account of the board's history provides a natural format for the history. It can include its founding, growth over the years, special programs, and community activities. Some boards divide their history in ten year segments, others may indicate the " Depression Years", "Postwar Recovery", or "Rapid Growth of the 60's".
Include the following points of interest:
• Board name changes and dates
• Date the board affiliated with NAR and the state association
• Names of past and present local association executives and officers
• Activities of the different committees over the years
• Information about board offices, locations, moves, acquisitions
• Member awards; REALTOR of the Year, etc.
• Community activities or local government involvement
• Include the names of members involved with the different activities
• Use details and anecdotes
Future Trends
This section could relate how the board is making plans for the future using it past achievements as a foundation for its continued growth.
Interesting Additions
These could be added to your history at appropriate places or added at the end as appendices.
• Charter Members
• Past presidents list with dates of service
• Membership statistics
• Current officers
• NAR Code of Ethics
• Preamble to NAR's Constitution and Bylaws
• Photographs - old and new generate interest in the publication include members, staff, board offices, historic homes, etc.
Sources of Historical Information
• Minutes, annual reports, and yearbooks
• Previous board anniversary news stories or notes
• Interviews with members and board employees
• Past issues of board's newsletter or bulletin
• Local newspaper files
• National Association of REALTORS® Archives
Effective Distribution
10 Local libraries; public, schools, colleges, and universities in the area Historical societies Real estate teachers Newspaper editors
Chamber of Commerce State association
REALTORS® Information Center
This guide is a revision of the "Guide for the Development of Board and State Association Histories" The Executive Officer, September, 1974.
The National Association of REALTORS® Archives has a variety of sources for local association information. If you want to request historical information please call or write:
National Association of REALTORS® Archives
430 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
1-800-874-6500 ext. 8361
fheller@realtors.org
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