BETHEL — Once again, the Bethel Historical Society is pleased to be a supporter of the Maine National History Day Program, administered by the Maine State Archives. This year’s annual educational competition for all Maine students in grades 6 through 12 will be held on Wednesday, March 28, at the University of Maine at Augusta. Each year students prepare papers, exhibits, documentaries, performances or websites that explore a broad historical theme which, this year, is “Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History.” The top two winners in each category are eligible to compete at the national competition.
National History Day teaches students research techniques that help them uncover the exciting details of history and allows them to present their knowledge in a category of their choosing. Many students become intrigued with history for a lifetime, and the Bethel Historical Society is proud to invest in these “historians of tomorrow” who may one day be operating a local/regional historical society themselves.
For organizations like the Bethel Historical Society, Maine National History Day is the perfect state-wide place to share historical resources. With the availability of laptops in schools, students can pull research material from the Internet, but local library sources and primary source materials cared for by historical societies are recognized as key to a successful project.
According to a recent evaluation study conducted by the research firm of Rockman et al, students who participate in the National History Day program score or rate higher than their peers who did not participate in the following areas: performance assessments; standardized test scores; academic performance; and interest in current events. Clearly, National History Day teaches critical thinking, writing and research skills and boosts performance across all subjects; inspires students to achieve more than they ever thought they could; and prepares students for college, career and citizenship.
Founded in 1966, the Bethel Historical Society is western Maine’s largest and most comprehensive historical agency. With over 1000 members, the Society fosters a sense of place — with a focus on western Maine and the White Mountain region — by collecting, preserving, displaying and interpreting historically significant artifacts and documents for residents, visitors, students, and scholars. Through its exhibits, programs, events and publications, the society makes the region’s history meaningful, accessible and enjoyable.
In 1974, the society acquired the former Broad Street residence of Dr. Moses Mason, which now contains a period house museum, exhibit hall and research library. In 1999, the society opened the O’Neil Robinson House, next door at 10 Broad St., to the public for an expanded exhibit program, museum shop space and administrative offices. Over the past 40 years, the society’s achievements have been recognized by a number of state and national organizations. For more information call 824-2908 or 800-824-2910 or visit info@bethelhistorical.org.
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