President’s Message – The Jedediah Smith Society

The Jedediah Smith Society: Celebrating Jedediah Smith in California 2024-2027

As a 26-year member, past Vice President, and three-time board member, I am honored to accept the role of President. I hope to leverage my knowledge of the Society’s history and my experience in previous leadership roles to guide us through this crucial and exciting period.

We are beginning to plan a series of events and celebrations for the coming years, including the anniversary of Jed’s entry into California and chronicling his activities and legacy in the state. Consistent leadership is essential, and we are fortunate to have many board members continuing their service during this period of the Society’s growth.

Rich Cimino
President of the Society

With many past operational procedures now in place, we will focus on adding legacy data and timely updates to the Society’s website. Please visit the website.
We have a web person who manages several non-profit websites and has knowledge about third-party digital services, this is a skillset that is much needed and that she brings to the Society.
The Castors Canadensis publication has a new editor and publisher. The Castor articles will dovetail with Jed’s historical moments in California and our membership rendezvous. We will be mailing the Castor to you as first-class postage.
Your board of directors is actively planning rendezvous in the areas where Jed created history in California and other states for the membership to participate in. These rendezvous will coincide with critical moments in Jed’s travel and other incidental historical events. The Board of Directors is seeking rendezvous site suggestions from members for consideration. Go to our website to stay on top of the dates and locations.
The Society is recognized by the North American Historical Societies and the Historians of the Fur Trade era as an historical society with national membership.
Plans are moving forward to enhance the website to accept Zelle electronic donations and membership renewals, along with an improved PayPal portal button on the website.