The Ross Township board of supervisors approved the establishment of a new historical society during the Monday evening meeting.

Saylorsburg resident Kathryn Koch-Villoresi had submitted the proposal, which outlined her mission to start a historical society for the area. Plans to begin preparing the township's bicentennial celebration, which is to take place next year, were also included.Additional items on the request included permission to seek a 501c3 nonprofit status, use office space in the municipal building, hold raffles and other fundraising events, use of the Ross Township logo and letterhead for correspondence, and to advertise the society through small yard signs and print. The supervisors unanimously approved the motion, and Koch-Villoresi was appointed as the chairwoman of the society."I think it's great that someone's going to help out," Vice Chairman Tina Drake said to Koch-Villoresi.Koch-Villoresi has already taken her first step as the head of the society, which will entail setting up an information table at the upcoming William Penn Day event that is being held at the Heritage Center of the Western Pocono Community Library onOct. 15."I love history, I love the Victorian era. I believe in people coming in and helping with the community. … The older I get, the more interested I get in history and learning about my town and its roots. When I heard that they wanted to plan a bicentennial and they were having some hard times getting someone to take it on, I knew it was my time," Koch-Villoresi said.