Gary Historical and Cultural Society, Inc.

About the group:

Established in 1976.

Brings ethnic groups together.

Operates Gary Land Company Museum at 1 E. Gateway Park.

Works in cooperation with the school system, public library and civil city.

Mission: A sharing of ethnic culture through conversation, music, art, dance and handicrafts.

Special events: Gary Historical and Cultural Society runs a myriad of programs, including Gary Civic Symphony Orchestra that has enriched the community for 25 years and a training orchestra. Students in grades 3 and 4 attend a concert, learn about instruments and music. The group offers an educational music program on Saturdays during the school year and runs a five-week summer program. Youth learn about instruments and take field trips. The society published its first anthology, "Steel Pudding," that sells for $19, and will award two, $500 scholarships next spring to graduating high school seniors attending college. Gary Civic Symphony Orchestra will kick off the Christmas season with a concert at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at Genesis Convention Center, 1 Genesis Center Plaza. Admission is $20.

Advice: "Gary Historical and Cultural Society is important because you have to always have a cultural side. You must never leave it out and it's for the children. Children who study instruments and art and keep the brain active do better in school," said founder Dolly Millender.

How to get involved: For information on Gary Historical and Cultural Society or tickets to the Dec 8 concert, call (219) 882-6873.

People might be surprised to know: "We do so many things and I absolutely could not do this without the active support of my family," said Millender.

- SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate an organization for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com