PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release:
July 22, 2013
Contact:        Elizabeth Stodolski
                        (603) 629-1430
                        estodolski@stmarysbank.com

St. Mary’s Bank donates mural

to Manchester Historic Association

mural placed on long term loan to American-Canadian Genealogical Society

MANCHESTER, NH—July 22, 2013 – St. Mary’s Bank has announced the donation of the lobby mural in its main headquarters to the Manchester Historic Association, which in turn will loan the piece for an extended period to the American-Canadian Genealogical Society.
The large mural, which has been in the credit union’s McGregor Street location since its opening in1970, was removed on Monday, July 22 and will be installed at American-Canadian Genealogical Society’s building on South Elm Street.
The credit union has recently moved into its new facility adjacent to the former headquarters location on McGregor Street in Manchester. The old building is to be demolished and construction of the multi-lane drive up for the new facility will begin.
“The donation of this much loved mural to the Manchester Historic Association preserves this piece of New Hampshire history for public enjoyment.” says Elizabeth Stodolski, St Mary’s Bank Director of Marketing.
“The mural’s installation at the American-Canadian Genealogical Society recognizes its significance to the Franco-American community,” says Aurore Easton, executive director of the Manchester Historic Association. “Since this work of art portrays, in an imaginative way, important events in the history of New France and New England, we know it will certainly be appreciated and admired by the society’s patrons, especially those of Quebec, Acadian, Native American and French ancestry.”
The work depicts Samuel De Champlain and discoveries in the Seacoast area and illustrates the early settlers on the banks of the Merrimack River. Its text is French, reflecting the cultural heritage of the nation’s first credit union, which was founded to meet the needs of the largely French-speaking West Side community.
Stodolski says the actual mural artist is not known. The piece was conceived by Sherman H. Jones, the building’s architect, and includes images based on illustrations from various reference works.
About St. Mary’s Bank
Founded in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1908, St. Mary’s Bank is the first credit union in the nation. It makes progressive financial products and services available and affordable to consumers and businesses. Members enjoy excellent service, competitive rates, low fees and state-of-the-art banking services. Headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire, St. Mary’s Bank has locations in Manchester, Hudson, Londonderry, Milford, Nashua and Concord. Call 1-888-786-2791 or visit www.stmarysbank.com for more information.

About the Manchester Historic Association

Founded in 1896, the Manchester Historic Association is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organizations with the mission to collect, preserve and share the history of Manchester. The Association operates the Millyard Museum and the Research Center, both of which are open to the general public. The Association presents a variety of public programs including lectures, walking tours and concerts, and also school programs for students from third grade through college.
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