During last year the non-profit organization reports that the society, launched just five years ago by just 8 founders, added 86 new members, including 10 former Reds or other pro players. 

“Our membership numbers continue to grow at a really amazing rate,” said Buster Clegg, president of the historical society. “We now have 563 on our rolls, including 96 former Reds players and other former pros interested in the society’s purpose and goals.” 

The society’s goals are to restore and preserve the old R. I. Reds 51-year history in the American Hockey League by collecting valuable memorabilia and building, sometime in the near future, a museum exhibit solely dedicated to the team.

Towards that objective Clegg said the society has now entered what he calls “the second period.” Clegg explained that the focus of “the second period” will be a major capital fundraising effort targeting grant opportunities from corporations and philanthropic entities. Funds raised will be dedicated to build the museum exhibit they envision.

“To launch our major capital fundraising campaign, I am confident we have all the necessary people with the experience and the support tools they need to succeed,” Clegg said. “We have a solid plan that has been developed for over a year.”

The society’s president also emphasized that the society’s business as usual will continue, i. e. building membership and providing special events for members. “Hockey people like a good time. We’re not the buttoned-down, historical stereotype you might imagine. We’ll still have our annual reunions and other fun events that are in the planning.” 

Annual membership dues for the organization are $20 per year. For further information about the R. I. Reds Heritage Society, visit the web site at www.rireds.org or call 401-247-2666.

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