Governance

Belvidere Heritage is part of New Jersey's 1.5 million volunteers who are making a difference in their communities through 170 million hours of service each year. Collectively, New Jersey volunteers provide $3.5 billion in services. Across the Garden State, volunteers mentor and tutor students, prepare and distribute food to the needy, protect and beautify the environment, sustain our arts, history and cultural institutions and stand ready to assist during emergencies and disasters. Belvidere Heritage is honored to be among this exceptional class of individuals.



Managed by a Board of Directors

Beginning in January 2018, a few individuals gathered to plan how Belvidere, New Jersey, could once again celebrate its spirit and the rich history of the town, which was established in 1845 - right in the midst of America's Victorian period. Eventually, some of those individuals joined together and established a non-profit corporation on February 19, 2018. The newly formed organization, named Belvidere Heritage, established a mission of guiding events which would educate and bring to life the history and ways of our town's bygone era. Desired is a cultivation of unity in our region with opportunities for enjoyment of period-specific entertainment. Through these events monies will be raised and a portion of the proceeds will be placed into a scholarship fund for graduating high school seniors.

The current Board of Directors is comprised of four individuals, President Amy Lewis, Treasurer Joan McDonald, Secretary Renee Couvrette and Chief Technology Officer Jeanette Iurato. Together, we work with various volunteer committees to plan Victorian Days, which is scheduled for September 7, 8 & 9, 2018. The event will kick off on Friday evening with a Victorian Cotillion; while Saturday and Sunday will be busy with porch/garden teas, Victorian house tours, cemetery tour, kids activities, entertainment, reenactments, a town crier, news boys and vendors all presenting in a Victorian manner. The Heritage Auction, Bid-To-Educate (formerly known as the Gentleman's Auction) is also planned. All proceeds from this auction will be applied to the scholarship fund.

Victorian Days is hosted in the town of Belvidere, New Jersey at the Garret D. Wall Park of Warren County. The planning and management of this grand event is the board's primary activity and consumes over 50% of our time. We are aided in our efforts by dedicated volunteers and funded by generous sponsorships and contributions. Additional revenue is received from vendor and food truck event fees and donations; as well as ticketed events, such as the cotillion, house tours, porch/garden teas and others. The board routinely discusses the possibility of other historic and fundraising events throughout the year, such as a 5K run, black tie dinner, and other special events.

Statement

With Belvidere Heritage, Inc. being a new non-profit, we have the benefit of continuing a 30-year tradition in Belvidere celebrating our heritage at Victorian Days while simultaneously having a clean slate in practices, networking, and board members. Belvidere is a quaint town, steeped in history and a small town feel. Belvidere Heritage, Inc. is here to support and promote our town, alongside other outward-facing nonprofits and a supportive town council. We're grateful to be here and blessed to be able to help people enjoy what Belvidere has to offer.

Amy Lewis
President, Board of Directors

Our Mission

To provide a multi-faceted educational experience through events, to promote an interest in local history, to cultivate unity in our region, and to offer opportunities for enjoyment of period-specific entertainment.


Bylaws & Policies

  • Articles of Incorporation

    New Jersey Certificate

    Articles of incorporation, also referred to as the certificate of incorporation or the corporate charter, is a document or charter that establishes the existence of a corporation in the United States and Canada. They generally are filed with the Secretary of State or other company registrar.

  • Our Bylaws

    Formally Adopted

    This single document, while properly referred to as the bylaws, is often referred to as a constitution or a constitution and bylaws. Unless otherwise provided by law, the organization does not formally exist until bylaws have been adopted.

  • Non-Profit Organization

    501(C)(3)

    On July 24, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service determined that Belvidere Heritage, Inc., is exempt from federal income tax under IRC Section 501(c)(3), and is classified as a public charity. Effective February 19, 2018, donors can deduct contributions made to Belvidere Heritage, Inc., under IRC Section 170. The organization is also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106 and 2522.