Celebrating our 60th Anniversary
2020 HASN’T been the best year for us, we do have a reason to celebrate. It is the 60th anniversary of the founding of American Mensa, our diamond jubilee anniversary. It was on Sept. 30, 1960, that the founding meeting of what would become American Mensa took place in the home of Peter A. Sturgeon. There were 22 members of Mensa living in the United States at that time, and five of them attended the meeting at Peter’s home in Brooklyn. Can you imagine only 22 members? This was the first group outside of Britain to be recognized, and we were originally formed as North America Mensa. As more countries started their own groups, this changed to what we are today, American Mensa, Ltd. It is hard to believe that we ever were so small — especially when I see now that most Regional Gatherings have at least 100 attendees, often more. What fun and how exciting it must have been back then to watch and help the organization grow! How many members have come and gone since then, and what were their contributions? It would be amazing to step back in time and see what the differences and similarities are to today. Some consider celebrating anniversaries as just marking the passage of time. I do not. Every year we are given is a gift, and we need to take time to reflect and celebrate that. Some years are better than others, and that should be our focus. Commemorating milestones gives us the opportunity to rejoice in the good times and learn from the bad times. Some Local Groups are having special events to celebrate this red-letter year — online, of course. I see events including speakers and games planned not only to honor our 60th but also just to keep in touch. Is your Local Group participating? I would love to hear about it. Please take care, be safe, and wash your hands. I look forward to seeing you at the World Gathering — Multifaceted Minds — next August in Houston.