The Supreme Court Historical Society is pleased to announce that Philip J. Kessler, Chairman of the Michigan based law firm, Butzel Long will be the new National Membership Chair for the Society for FY 2009, July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

Currently, he is in the process of assembling a new team of professionals for this state based initiative to promote the Society and recruit new members. They will acquaint prospective members with the mission of the Society, which is to expand the public awareness of the rich history and heritage of the Supreme Court of the United States.  The Society accomplishes this goal through support for and publishing of important historical research projects, such as the Documentary History of the Supreme Court of the U. S.  1789-1800. This detailed examination of the critical formative first decade of the Supreme Court, competed an 8 volume study in 2007.  The Society also provides lectures, educational programs and teacher training about the Supreme Court.

Included among the many benefits of Society membership are:

1. A subscription to three yearly issues of the acclaimed Journal of Supreme Court History.  This is a collection of articles about the history of the Supreme Court, its members and those persons and issues that have come before the Court over the years.
2. The Quarterly magazine.  The member oriented newsletter of the Society containing historical features about the Court as well as information on upcoming Society events and programs.
3. Invitations to lectures and educational events such as The Leon Silverman Lecture Series.  These multi-part programs focus on a variety of Court related topics, including “The Supreme Court in Times of National Emergency,”  “Dissents and Dissenters” and “Supreme Court Justices in The Gilded Age.”  The lectures are presented in the court room of the Supreme Court and are followed by a reception with the program participants, usually held in the East and West Conference Rooms or Great Hall of the Supreme Court.

If you are interested in assisting the Society with membership solicitation, please contact the Society Director of Membership, Orazio Miceli at (202) 543-0400 and via email at micelischs@aol.com.