[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Hillside 12-4-1979 as Ord. No. G-169-79 (Ch. II, Sec. 2-31, of the 1971 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
It is hereby declared as a matter of public policy that in order to increase the education, appreciation and communication of the heritage of the Township of Hillside, in such manner as to reflect the special character or special historic or cultural development within this municipality, in the interest of the recreation, education, inspiration and enrichment of its citizens, the position of Local Historian is hereby established.
The Local Historian shall be appointed by the Township Committee and shall serve at the pleasure of the Township Committee. The Local Historian shall serve without compensation, but the governing body may annually appropriate such funds as may be necessary to reimburse the Local Historian for expenses incurred in the performance of the duties and responsibilities set forth herein.
The Local Historian shall have the following powers and responsibilities:
A. 
To carry out an historical program, including but not restricted to collecting, preserving and making available materials relating to the history of the Township of Hillside. The Historian shall store such materials in such manner as to ensure their preservation and shall notify the State Archivist, New Jersey Historical Commission, County Local Historian and the governing body of any materials which should be acquired for preservation. Upon leaving the position, the Local Historian shall turn over all materials and records and reports into the possession of the successor, if then appointed, or to the governing body until a successor shall be appointed.
B. 
The Local Historian shall make an annual report to the Township Committee stating all the work performed and accomplished during that year. The Local Historian shall transmit a copy of such report to the New Jersey Historical Commission. The New Jersey Historical Commission may advise the local historian of general guidelines along which the historical program may be implemented.
C. 
The Local Historian may research, write and cause to have published, with the permission of the Township Committee, a history and may recommend appropriate historical materials for publication.
D. 
The Local Historian may assist a landmark commission, as well as advise the governing body, concerning the acquisition, administration, use and disposition of any landmark or historic site, including such places in his jurisdiction included on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. Such advice may be furnished to the Historic Sites Section, Department of Environmental Protection.
E. 
The Local Historian shall assist in projects of commemoration, including the erection of monuments, historic markers and guide signs.