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Path [1100]: Home | About
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Last Updated: October 14, 2023
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ALL About QUESTERS
THE QUESTERS Motto: "It's fun to search and a joy to find."
| What is a Quester? |
| What is a Quester? |
What is a Quester?
When founder Bess Bardens was asked, "what is a Quester?" she gave this answer: "A Quester is a socially well-adjusted intelligent person who has curiosity, enthusiasm, imagination and a good memory. For the greatest powers of the mind are memory and imagination, for without memory we have no past, without imagination, no future." She also said, "a Quester spends time constructively, does research on the history of antiques, and collects knowledge. Sooner or later the bug bites and they have acquired a hobby and are a collector."
What purpose of Questers?
The purpose of THE QUESTERS shall be to educate by research and the study of antiques to:
- Preserve the past for the future
- Promote education in the fields of historical preservation and restoration
- Give grants for the preservation and restoration of historical artifacts, existing memorials, historical buildings, and landmarks
- Support THE QUESTERS International funds with respect to their tax-exempt activities
THE QUESTERS shall exist and operate as a non-profit, non-political corporation and shall not discriminate as to sex, race, or creed.
THE QUESTERS Organization
When six or more people gather to discuss the fascinating topics of antiques, history and preservation, and to share their collections and personal knowledge with many others, a Chapter is ready to form. The composition of the Chapter's membership will reflect its members preference: Women, Men, Co-ed, Couples. Monthly meeting time and date vary among Chapters. Chapters join together to form their State/Provincial Questers Organizations; an Unchartered State/Province may apply for chartered status when the State/Province reaches a minimum of 100 members. The combined Chapter membership for the international Questers is 543 Chapters and approximately 7,300 members.
Quester Annual Convention
At our annual convention, hosted by a Chartered State/Province, Questers meet with others from across the US and Canada. Here members learn of local history, meet fellow collectors, enjoy speakers, visit Preservation and Restoration sites, and, through mini lyceums, expand their interest in events, objects, crafts, and art.
Quarterly, each member receives a copy of the Quester Quarterly in the format of choice. Chapters share their events and programs while the International Executive Board keeps the members abreast of changes in the International Organization.
Facebook is our newest platform for sharing and learning of Questers activities. Quester's members may join the Facebook group that has been developed by THE QUESTERS. For information and guidelines, contact the International Second Vice President.
Bylaws and Policies
Questers are governed by International Bylaws and by International, State/Provincial, and Chapter Policies. The Questers exist and operate as a non- profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Within these guidelines, Questers find it easy to live our motto: "It's fun to search and a joy to find.”
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Current Members: To access the Member's-Only pages, select one of the pages under the Members tab and complete the log-in information. The password may be obtained from your Chapter or State/Provincial President.
Facebook: Questers has a closed group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/30266017790. To join, just request permission (assuming you’re a Quester).
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Questers are curious, enthusiastic, and imaginative with a desire to learn new things -- people who are excited by historical sites, antiques, and the study of past events that still resonate in our present lives and experiences. Thus our motto - It’s Fun To Search And A Joy To Find.
Current Members: To access the Member's-Only pages, select one of the pages under the Members tab and complete the log-in information. The password may be obtained from your Chapter or State/Provincial President.
Facebook: Questers has a closed group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/30266017790. To join, just request permission (assuming you’re a Quester).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Questers are curious, enthusiastic, and imaginative with a desire to learn new things -- people who are excited by historical sites, antiques, and the study of past events that still resonate in our present lives and experiences. Thus our motto - It’s Fun To Search And A Joy To Find.
- THE QUESTERS nonprofit organization started in 1944 when Jessie Elizabeth "Bess" Bardens passed an antique store on her lunch break and bought a syrup pitcher. When she returned to the office, she placed it on the corner of her desk. Many co-workers stopped to speak with her about it and expressed their desire to learn more. As a result, Bess launched an antiques discussion group. From this group, other local clubs or chapters were formed to provide a small venue for learning about one’s collections and those of fellow members. In its over 75-year history, the blue syrup pitcher has launched Chapters in 48 States; Washington, DC; and 2 Canadian Provinces. It has grown from a small, loosely knit group of study clubs to an incorporated International Antiques and Historical Preservation organization with current Chapters in 38 States and 2 Canadian Provinces.
- Our Headquarters, dating to 1802, is a three-story Federal style row house that needs continual preservation and restoration. Located at 210 South Quince Street, Philadelphia, the house is in a historically significant area.
- With a strong desire to see that the best of American heritage is preserved for future generations, Questers seek to educate by research and study of antiques and to donate funds to the preservation and restoration of artifacts, existing memorials, historic buildings, landmarks, and for educational purposes. Questers work on defined projects selected by each Chapter.
- Questers sponsor a graduate-level scholarship at Columbia University as well as a fellowship at Winterthur/University of Delaware.