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laid the foundations of this place ; of those who have con- 

 ducted the affairs during the several periods of her his- 

 tory ; and, above all, of those who took part in the recent 

 war for the preservation of the Union. This building 

 would also be a suitable depository for an Art Museum, 

 which now is becoming an essential aid to the proper edu- 

 cation of the people. 



The care and management of the library and the 

 Memorial Hall, could devolve upon a board of Trustees, 

 selected by the city and the various institutions that may 

 contribute to this object. 



To this end it is necessary that not only the City Gov- 

 ernment, but the people, one and all, should aid in this 

 undertaking to the extent of their respective means, 

 and work with the determination that success shall 

 crown their efforts. Let us make a beginning, and wo 

 shall .soon have a Public Library that will compare favor- 

 ably with those of other places in the Union, material 

 which will be a good nucleus for a valuable Art Museum, 

 and a very rare collection of antiquarian relics. 



Thus, while we shall be doing honor to those to 

 whom we owe so much, we shall provide a suitable 

 depository for works of art and historical relics, for the 

 education and improvement of the people. 



This communication was referred to a committee, con- 

 sisting of the President, Vice Presidents and Secretary, 

 with the request to report whenever a plan for the realiz- 

 ing of any of the suggestions therein contained should 

 be sufficiently matured for the action of the Institute. 



George H. Perkins of Salem and George Haskell of 

 Ipswich were elected resident members. 



