Let’s go back to May 17, 1914. It was then the Rev. J.J. Lydgate called the first meeting of the Kauai Historical Society. It was held in the Lihue Union Church, “where a group of residents interested in preserving the
Let’s go back to May 17, 1914.
It was then the Rev. J.J. Lydgate called the first meeting of the Kauai Historical Society. It was held in the Lihue Union Church, “where a group of residents interested in preserving the historic sites of Kauai and the memories of the island’s longtime residents joined in, for the purpose of collecting, preserving and disseminating the history of Kauai and Niihau for the benefit of the public.”
One hundred years later, it’s still carrying out that mission. And guess what? It’s time to celebrate.
The Kauai Historical Society is celebrating its 100th anniversary with several upcoming events, including from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Aston Aloha Beach Hotel in Wailua, where there will be a a festival celebrating the Okinawan culture through traditional music, dancing, cultural displays and food.
The highlight will be a multicultural festival on May 10, when there will be cultural dances, music, food and stories on the front lawn of the Historic County Building.
In the meantime, The Garden Island is working with the Kauai Historical Society on a centennial crossword puzzle contest. Here’s how it will work:
The Garden Island will publish 12 articles on Kauai history on successive Thursdays beginning Jan. 23. A crossword puzzle will be published by April 17 and also be available at the office of the Kauai Historical Society, Old County Building Ste. 101, Lihue. Answers to the puzzle will be found in the articles. Three winners will receive prizes.
The idea here is to simply encourage interest in the island’s history, raise awareness of the society’s 100th anniversary, and yes, also give Kauaians yet another reason to read their local daily newspaper.
Here are the few contest rules:
• The puzzle must be submitted by May 5 to KHS.
• Submission may be mailed to P.O. Box 1778, Lihue, HI 96766 or to the office of the historical society.
• There will be three prizes. Winners will be determined by date and time of submission. If mailed, date will be the postmark and time will be 6 p.m. If delivered to the historical society office, the date and time will be stamped on the submission. Three prizes will be awarded, determined by the earliest date and time of submission.
• Winners will be announced at the centennial celebration May 10, Historic County Building.
History is not just something to read about. It’s not dull stuff that happened many decades ago that’s no longer relevant. It matters. It’s part of who we are. It explains why we’re here and where we came from. And thanks to the historical society, known as “the keepers of Kauai history,” history is alive and well on Kauai for young and old to enjoy.
In case you were wondering, the KHS executive director is Mary Requilman. The distinguished board of directors includes Bill Fernandez, president; Reg Gage, vice president, Kelly McGannon, treasurer, Kay Koike, secretary, along with Phyllis Albert, Larry Chaffin, Richard Hanna, Maryanne Kusaka, John Lydgate, Gaetano Vasta and Linda Warriner.
Take time for this centennial celebration. Attend some, even all of the events. Read the history articles to be published each Thursday in TGI, complete and turn in the crossword puzzle. You might even win a prize. If you can, donate to KHS. At the least, let’s thank this dedicated organization for its efforts to not just preserve, but bring to life, Kauai’s past.
