RANGELEY — The Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum, which opened on May 9, contains numerous creative exhibits featuring some fascinating artifacts and collections. It will offer a variety of events throughout the summer
Some of Rangeley’s legendary outdoor personalities, such as Carrie Stevens, Herb Welch, Fly Rod Crosby, Ed Grant and Shang Wheeler, are featured. The collection also features some touchstones to the region’s heritage: artifacts, art, narratives, early photos, classic film and archives that reflect the area’s history.
Visitors will see a classic antique example of the “Rangeley Boat,” a mounted 10-pound wild Rangeley brook trout, the world’s largest collection of Carrie Steven’s Streamers as well as several hand-crafted bamboo fly rods and examples of early fishing equipment built by some of the best known masters in their field.
The museum opened in August 2010 and is located in the village of Oquossoc at the corner of Routes 4 and 17. Modeled after a local 1900s taxidermy shop, it is operated by the Rangeley Lakes Region Historical Society.
During May the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. June hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. In July and August the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week.
In September, hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and in October will it will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday only.
Hours on Memorial Day Weekend will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 23 to 26.
In addition to various activities, free fly-casting lessons, as well as equipment for the classes, will be offered from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in June and July.
For more information, visit www.rangeleyoutdoormuseum.org or www.facebook.com/RangeleyOSHM.
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