OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Michelle Patterson spoke on behalf of the newly formed Brocton-Portland Historical Society at a recent Portland Town Board meeting.

PORTLAND — Local community members have come together to recognize the shared history of the Brocton and Portland community.

After a meeting in late October to gauge public interest, the Brocton-Portland Historical Society was formed.

“We felt we had enough of a response from the community to feel we could actually move forward with this,” Michelle Patterson said on behalf of the Brocton-Portland Historical Society.

The organization is launching with a board of seven members, composed of four officers on two-year terms and three trustees of one-year terms. Moving forward, the group is open to increasing membership.

“I personally applaud you for taking the reins on this,” Portland Town Supervisor Rich Lewis said to Patterson. “It’s been dropped for a long time, and it’s something the area needs.”

According to Patterson, the group’s mission is “to protect, preserve, present and educate the community” on the region’s history. In doing so, the group – which plans to incorporate as a nonprofit organization – will support the Portland Historical Museum through fundraising, volunteering, educational programs and exhibits. The group is currently developing a step-by-step plan over the next five years of goals to target.

The group has also been working closely with the Ahira Hall Memorial Library in Brocton through its director, Julie Morrison Putcher. Patterson hopes to develop relationships with Brocton Central School and with local cemetery organizations, as well.

“We’re excited about it. Fingers crossed it’s going to go well,” Patterson said.

Referring to recent local interest on social media, Brocton Village Trustee Drew Ransom said, “It seems like perfect timing to get this going with everybody’s interest being piqued in it.”

Brocton Mayor Craig Miller also credited the efforts, calling the movement “probably long overdue.”