1. The name of the organization is: The Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society, Inc. (NYCHAPS)

1. The mission of this organization is to promote and encourage the study, collection, and preservation of the historical heritage of the Northern York County, which is defined as encompassing the Northern York County School District and surrounding area. This society is organized to meet the requirements of a nonprofit, tax exempt, organization, as defined by the IRS.

1.Membership levels will be set at the discretion of the Board of Directors, but must include opportunities for Individuals, families, seniors, students and businesses.
a. Families will be defined as any parent(s) and their minor children or grand
parents(s) and their minor grandchildren.
b. Student will be defined as any person under the age of 22 attending an
institute of learning on a full time basis.
c. A senior will be defines as and any person over the age of 65 years.

2.    The Board of Directors may establish a special dues rate for those eighteen (18)
years of age or younger, or sixty five or older.

3.    Dues shall be paid to the Membership Chairman of the organization. The 
membership Committee shall maintain the membership list and be responsible
for the distribution of membership cards.

1. General meetings of the organization shall be held the 1st (first) Thursday of the month at the Maple Shade Barn or at any location designated by the Board of Directors.
2. The Annual Meeting of the organization shall be the December meeting of each calendar year during which will be the election of the next group of the Board of Directors.

1. The business and financial affairs of the organization shall be managed by the Board of Directors consisting of nine (9) members, including officers.
2. The Board of Directors will be elected from the Membership at the Annual Meeting and will serve a three year term.
3. A Director may resign at any time upon presentation of a written notice to the President.
4. A Director or officer may be removed from membership on the Board of Directors for just and sufficient cause by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the full Board of Directors. Membership in the organization and all benefits and privileges thereof shall not be revoked in this event,
5. No director or any member of their family shall receive pecuniary compensation or undue financial advantage as a result of membership on the Board of Directors. Legitimate expenses incurred on the behalf of the organization may be reimbursed subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

1. The Board of Directors shall meet at least twelve (12) times per year at a time and place decided by the Board. Each member of the Board will be notified at least two (2) weeks prior to a regular meeting of the Board.
2. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President or any three (3) members of the Board. All Board members shall be notified forty-eight (48) hours prior to the day of a special meeting. Notice by telephone or by e-mail with message return at receipt of notice shall be sufficient for any special meeting.
3. Regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be open to the membership unless closed for just and sufficient cause by action of two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the Board of Directors or for discussion of personnel or disciplinary issues. 
4. All Board meetings will be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order with minutes recorded and included in the minutes of the next regular membership meeting.
5. The presence of a simple majority of all the Board of Directors will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any enactment must be approved by a majority of Directors voting in person or in some circumstances by e-mail or written, signed response with the paper copy of the response becoming a part of the minutes of the next Board of Directors meeting.

1. The Board of Directors, prior to the first general meeting of the year, shall nominate and elect the following officers for a one year term: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
2. The President shall serve as the Chairman of the Meetings of the membership and of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee. The President will serve as chief financial officer in absence of the Treasurer.
3. The Vice-President shall assume the functions of the President in their absence and shall serve in other capacities as assigned by the Board of Directors. The Vice-President shall move into the position of President the following year.
4. The Treasurer shall receive and have charge of all funds of the organization, shall develop and oversee a system of fiscal management as determine by the Board of Directors, maintain all records of transactions, and report the financial condition of the organization to the Board of Directors, the Membership and to legitimate authorities. In the absence of both the President and Vice-President, the Treasurer will assume the duties of the President. 
5. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the organization, preserve all papers and correspondence, and provide agendas for the Board of Directors meetings. In the absence of all other officers the Secretary will assume the duties of the President.
6. All officers will perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

1. In the event that a position becomes vacant on the Board of Directors  resulting in less than the minimum number as set forth in the By-Laws, the Board of Directors shall appoint a replacement during the next meeting of the Board of Directors.

1. Standing Committees shall be: Administration, Collections, Education, Funding, Maintenance, Membership, Nominations.
2. All standing committees shall have a chairperson appointed by the Board of Directors, a budget, and a member of the Board to act as liaison between the committee and the Board
3. The Board of Directors may organize and empower additional standing committees, appoint the chairperson and may decide the duties, responsibilities, and composition of each committee.
4. The President may organize and appoint the chairperson of ad-hoc committees and committee members as needed.
5. The Board of Directors may appoint one (1) or more permanent or temporary Advisory Boards or Panels to obtain professional advice or assistance. Any such bodies shall not exercise any governing authority, but serve only in an advisory capacity to the Board and Officers.

1. The Fiscal Year of the organization shall end on the 31st of December of each year.

1. In the event of Dissolution of NYCHAPS, all assets and holding shall be distributed to an organization qualifying for tax exemption under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and such organizations shall have similar interests and aims as NYCHAPS. All decisions in this regard will be made by a majority vote of all remaining members.

1. These By-Laws may be supplemented, amended, or deleted by a majority vote of a quorum of all members voting in person at any meeting or by absentee ballad provided that notification of the proposed changes are presented in the writing by the Board of Directors at least thirty (30) days before such changes are to be considered.
2. These By-Laws were originally adopted by the organization on October 4, 1984, and were previously amended on February 9, 1989 and April 7 1994.