East Aurora Advertiser

Elma Recognizes Baumgartner’s Leadership of Historical Society


For nearly 20 years, the dedication of Marlene Baumgartner has been a constant in the Town of Elma. Baumgartner has been a strong advocate for the Elma Historical Society, preserving the town’s history and making sure the community understands the importance of that preservation. 

Her work in the community was honored at a ceremony last week where Baumgartner was presented with a Town Proclamation recognizing her contribution and dedication to the community. It also marked something of a passing of the torch; Baumgartner will step back from the organization’s leadership role after 18 years but stay on as vice president.

Elma Town Supervisor Wayne Clark presents Marlene Baumgarten with a certificate honoring her for her accomplishments and service last week at the annual meeting of the Elma Historical Society. Photo by Renea Lauck

During the society’s annual meeting to appoint new leaders, Baumgartner was given a proclamation by Elma Supervisor Wayne Clark and the rest of the town board. It highlighted her time as president of the Elma Historical Society and her accomplishments. 

Baumgartner took over as president in 2004 and was instrumental in overseeing the building of both the Elma History Museum’s historic barn in 2005 and the sawmill in 2011. She also led the committee that put together the book The Chronicles of Elma, a publication documenting the town’s history from 1956 to 2014. 

Elma Historical Society President Marlene Baumgarten was honored for her years of service to the town. Photo by Renea Lauck

The society also saw significant growth under her leadership: in 2004 there were only 85 members. Today the Elma Historical Society has over 200.

Along with her historical society work, Baumgartner was a member of the Red Hat Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution, treasurer of the Elma VFW Post 5861 Auxiliary and Troop 1 American Legion Auxiliary in Buffalo. Baumgartner was also the co-chair for the annual Pumpkin Festival and worked with others to obtain historic heritage signs from the William C. Pomeroy Foundation. 

The proclamation noted that “she has distinguished herself as a beloved friend, and highly regarded as a trusted and valued resource to the Elma Historical Society, where her service and contributions have touched the lives of many people in our great community.”

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