The Malcolm Blue Farm Historical Society Board of Directors is hoping for a prosperous 2010 for Aberdeen's birthplace, with the support of its membership and the community.

The board held its first meeting of the year Monday. It met with the town commissioners to address their concerns about the farm's viability and the town's relationship with the organization.

The farm has been in operation for more than 30 years, educating visitors about Aberdeen's heritage in the 19th century.

Questions about the farm's stability arose in December when Town Commissioner Pat Ann McMurray, who is also a life-long member of the farm's Board of Directors, asked her fellow commissioners to consider taking a more active role in the preservation of the farm's property.

New board President Pam Dannelley welcomed members to the board of 20 and expressed optimism about the farm's potential in the new year.

"This is a new board, new year, new energy," Dannelley said.

Dannelley made it clear that this year's board will work to improve the farm's standing, both physically and financially, and generate more interest from the community.

"I love this place," Dannelley said. "My most important goal is to preserve and protect it."

Dannelley also addressed the farm's relationship with the town, saying that the board hopes to maintain the amicable relationship it has held with the town for years.

"We simply want to continue the good, healthy relationship we've had with them over the years," Dannelley said.

Town Manager Bill Zell said that the Board of Commissioners also hopes to maintain this relationship with a shared concern for the farm's viability. He added that the town is not necessarily seeking more administrative involvement in the property's preservation, but it does want to make sure that the resources contributed by the town are used effectively.

"Malcolm Blue Farm is an integral part of Aberdeen, but Aberdeen doesn't want to own it, per se," Zell said.

The town currently assists the farm financially, appropriating $2,500 annually, along with occasional help with farm maintenance.

This past year, the town provided $10,000 to help the farm overcome financial setbacks attributed to low visitor turnout at the Malcolm Blue Historical Crafts and Farmskills Festival - the farm's largest annual fundraiser.

"We have to account for those dollars," Zell said.

Farm board members blame bad weather and the economy for lower numbers and reduced funds in recent years.

The farm also generates funds from membership and sponsor fees, an allocation from Moore County, private donations and grants.

'Little Extra Work'

Dannelley and Donna Niemi, the past treasurer, discussed ways to generate more funds for the farm, such as seeking additional grants, cutting costs and prioritizing the allocation of grant funds for property maintenance.

"As you can see, it's an all-is-not-lost situation, but it's certainly not a 'Wow, we're looking great' situation," Dannelley said.

Martha Swaringen, farm co-founder and lifetime board member, suggested that board members make efforts to get more Aberdeen residents involved since many consider the farm to be the town's birthplace.

"We, the people of Aberdeen, should be supporting the farm," Swaringen said.

Mayor Betsy Mofield agreed and handed Niemi a check for her membership in the organization.

"I have never been a member of the Malcolm Blue Farm Historical Society until tonight," Mofield said.

Several board members suggested that the farm recruit more volunteers so that the organization can hold more activities for the community.

"There are folks out there who have a passion for each little part of the farm that we can tap into," Dannelley said.

Board member Debbie Faircloth lives across from the farm property. She said she often sees visitors drive up to the farm, only to find that the buildings are closed and no one is there to assist them.

Though the farm is typically open four days a week, volunteers have not been operating the property's museum over the past year.

The property also needs some maintenance to accommodate increased activity.

Former Vice President Linda Jarrett said the farm can generate more support from the community with the help of a working board.

"It can be done," Jarrett said. "It just takes a little extra work."

Dannelley said she hopes to not only encourage enthusiasm about farm activities locally, but also she also wants to reach out to areas outside of Moore County, such as Sanford and Fayetteville.

"Once they know about it, a lot more happens," Dannelley said. "It's a really unique property, and it's the birthplace of Aberdeen."

Mofield suggested that the town help publicize farm activities by including articles submitted by the board in the town's monthly newsletter and, occasionally, on the back of the town water bill.

Re-Energize Youth

Dannelley laid out her personal priorities for farm repairs - the first being to restore the grist mill to working order.

In years past, cornmeal from the grist mill was a popular commodity at farm events. Dannelley hopes to have the mill working again in time for this year's farmskills festival.

"We want to sell some cornmeal!" Dannelley said.

The farm board also approved a motion to reinstate the Malcolm Blue Junior Historian's program. Though the farm has two small, independent groups, the board voted to combine them and pursue efforts to re-energize youth involvement on the farm.

Swaringen, who made the motion, said that the program has fostered life-long relationships between the farm and participants. She noted that many people who participated in the program as children are still active in farm events today.

"This is a legacy that we're talking about," Swaringen said.

Dannelley agreed, saying that the farm should strive to make agricultural connections for children, citing a general decline nationally in 4-H education and participation in Future Farmers of America.

Steve Rank, a newcomer to both the board and the area, suggested that the board pursue new activities to generate more interest in the farm.

"Part of the apathy is that we've been there, we've done that, and they're not coming back," Rank said.

Dannelley welcomed the suggestion for something new and discussed the potential for summer day camps and Sunday programs for families.

Hannah Sharpe can be reached at (910) 693-2485.