For a town as steeped in history as Guilford, 75 years may seem like just a blip. For the Guilford Keeping Society (GKS), which was formed 75 years ago to foster an appreciation and awareness of the rich and varied legacy of early New England architecture in the community, it’s still a blip worth celebrating.

GKS will celebrate the 75th anniversary throughout the year and will kick off the season on Saturday, June 11, with a fundraiser at the Thomas Griswold House Museum field. It will feature the Shoreline Jazz Quartet, wine with hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction, all to celebrate the organization’s accomplishments, its many volunteers, and to raise funds to maintain and preserve the museums, outbuildings, grounds, and extensive archive collections.

Tickets for individuals age 21 and older are $75 each for advanced purchase tickets and $85 the day of the event. Advanced purchase tickets are available at Frank’s Package Store, Sachem Card and Party, The Hartmann Group office and at guilfordkeepingsociety.com.

GKS 75th Anniversary Celebration Chair Fran Swietlicki said the event is an important opportunity to remind residents of their town’s centuries-long heritage.

“Your valued participation will allow us to fulfill our mission to preserve and share the history and heritage of Guilford for the present and future generations,” Swietlicki said. “Now is an exciting time as we look toward the next decade and beyond. There is tremendous community interest in Guilford’s unique history and museums. We invite you to support and to become a part our legacy.”

Seventy-five years ago a group of interested and concerned Guilford residents formed an organization to foster an appreciation and awareness of the rich and varied legacy of early New England architecture in the community. One month later the group was renamed GKS. In 1958, the society decided to purchase the Thomas Griswold House for a museum and in 2001 it inherited the Medad Stone Tavern on Three Mile Course from Len Hubbard.

According to Swietlicki, GKS is an important link for students and residents to delve into Guilford’s past and how that past can reflect and inform the town’s future.

“Through the years community support, both financial and exceptional volunteerism, has enabled us to accomplish significant preservation and maintenance of our museums, properties, and archives collections, as well as offer a breadth of educational programs including Early Guilford Days for all 4th graders, Stony Creek quarry tours, themed tours such as the Mystery Buildings Tour, and talks on Guilford’s history,” Swietlicki said. “We cannot do this alone and we need your support. We hope that you will consider making a donation to our 75th anniversary celebration’s silent auction, being a sponsor of the 75th celebration, by attending, and/or joining the society to become a member.”

The GKS 75th Anniversary Fundraiser will be held Saturday, June 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Griswold house at 171 Boston Street. GKS will also hold a Fourth of July event at its property on Saturday, July 2. Visit guilfordkeepingsociety.com for more information about these and other upcoming events celebrating the organization’s contributions to Guilford’s history.