Off the top of your head, can you give me any examples of the most famous, interesting or memorable way to end?
(Why?, you ask? Well, tomorrow I am going to have to suspend my local historical students’ society. I was wondering if there was anything interesting to say. Your 5 cents are appreciated!
What do you mean by “suspend”?
Make a time capsule containing your group’s Charter, Member List, gavel, and other trappings of power and seal it in a new building, to be opened in 100 years.
Ever seen The Last Waltz? That’s definitely the awesomest way to end a (The) band. Ever. You might consider something similar.
Prime the pump by asking your three most articulate members ahead of time to come to the meeting, and to be prepared to offer a brief reminiscence. At the meeting, after you make some well-chosen concluding remarks of your own, regretfully explaining why the organization has run its course and should now be brought to a close, ask if any of those present have anything they’d like to say. This is the cue for your three, who might then inspire others to say something, as well. Then end the meeting with a silent prayer (if that’s your bag), thank everyone for their time and efforts over the years, and walk out, your head held high.
See if you can get Francis Fukuyama to attend as your guest of honor.
“But you can’t hold a local historical society responsible for the behavior of a few, sick twisted individuals. For if you do, then shouldn’t we blame the whole school club system? And if that system is guilty, then isn’t this an indictment of our educational institutions in general? I put it to you, everyone - isn’t this an indictment of our entire American society? Well, you can do whatever you want to us, but we’re not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America. Gentlemen!”
Moved Cafe Society --> IMHO.