BETHEL — Thanks to the kindness and financial generosity of many members, businesses and friends, the Bethel Historical Society’s 2013 Annual Fund goal of $45,000 has been achieved.
Each year, the Annual Fund supports multiple programs and activities at the Bethel Historical Society. Just a few examples of the exciting things that occurred in 2013 include: Gould Academy students conducted an archaeological dig at the site of Dr. Mason’s “library”; the Society’s annual History Symposium explored how the Civil War is taught in secondary school; a new exhibit, “In the Field & On the Homefront: Bethel During the Civil War,” was opened as the Society’s contribution to the statewide Maine Civil War Trail project; local students in grades 1-5 helped mark the 200th anniversary of the Dr. Moses Mason House by creating artworks under the theme of “The Old, Historic House” for the Faye Taylor Art Show; and an exceptional display of nearly 50 19th-century and contemporary White Mountain paintings drew hundreds of visitors to the newly-named Howe Exhibit Hall over the summer.
Understandably, all of these activities come with a cost. Fortunately, members and friends of the Bethel Historical Society have long recognized the value of the organization’s work of collecting, preserving and interpreting the local and regional past through their support of the Annual Fund. Providing about 30 percent of the Society’s yearly income, the Annual Fund enables BHS to maintain the daily operations necessary to carry out high-quality programs, exhibits and publications.
All donors to the 2013 Annual Fund will be listed together in the Society’s upcoming “Report of Giving,” to be published in the spring 2014 Broad Street Herald newsletter.
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