The Society's Birthday Party of Mr. Charles E. Dunlap, Chairman of the Committee, who was kept away by an unfortunate illness. Dr. Kimball opened the meeting by introducing the Reverend Dr. Edgar Franklin Romig who offered the following invocation: Almighty God, who by Thy grace hast brought us together, we bless Thee for the observances of this hour. We thank Thee that in honoring the founders of this Society we become the beneficiaries of their wisdom, their foresight, and their generous thought of others. As we think of the century and a half during which their spirit has been translated into service we acknowledge before Thee the good that this enterprise has been to the people of this city. Show us anew to reverence the past as a teacher without whose influence our future is but a stumbling. Accept our gratitude for the services of this institution today, to scholars, to citizens in their everyday walk, and to children. Endue those who carry on this work with strength and joy in their task. Bless the President of the United States and all who are in authority in this land. And now, O God, vouchsafe that all of us here, inspired by this celebration, may in gratitude dedicate ourselves to a better understanding of our city and our nation, new devotion to the common weal, and a resolute will to freedom, peace and brotherhood in the world. In Thy name we ask it. Amen. Having extended a warm welcome to the guests and members present, the Acting Chairman informed them that Dr. Albert B. Corey, New York State Historian and past-President of The American Association for State and Local History, had come with tidings which promised to be highly gratifying. Dr. Corey then imparted the welcome news that The American Association for State and Local History, at its annual meeting in Madison, Wisconsin, on April 21, 1954, had voted its Award of Merit to this Society, with a citation as follows: The American Association for State and Local History is pleased to recognize and commend the distinctive contribution of The New- York Historical Society in recognition of a century and a half of service to all those interested in preserving the history and culture of Greater New York; for establishing early and maintaining continuously the highest possible standards of scholarship in the field of local history. Dr. Kimball received from Dr. Corey's hands, on behalf of the grateful Society, a certificate of the Association's Award of Merit bearing the citation just quoted.