BETHEL — With the ground blanketed in newly fallen snow, a sizable number of people, including several families with children, visited the Bethel Historical Society on Dec. 1 for the annual Christmas at the Mason House program. Volunteers Grace McKivergan, Mary Ennis and Jackie Bell had decorated the first floor rooms with boughs, berries, fruit and cones, and society staff members made sure candles were lit and fireplaces blazing before visitors arrived.

Providing seasonal favorites on harp was local musician and composer Conni St. Pierre, who positioned herself next to the large portrait of Agnes Straw Mason in the front parlor. Delicious cookies and other refreshments were provided by Allan Marcotte, Mary Ennis, Jackie Bell, Danna Nickerson and Grace McKivergan. Stan Howe, the society’s associate director, kept a steady supply of hot mulled cider at the ready, and Danna Nickerson, the society’s administrative assistant, took a number of photos to document the event. A number of donations were left by visitors, for which the society is very grateful.

Following the open house, about 25 society volunteers gathered for hearty refreshments in the Mason House exhibit hall. Part way through the hour-long event, executive director Randall Bennett took a few minutes to thank the volunteers for their tireless efforts to keep the organization moving forward. He also had the pleasure of presenting the 2012 Marjorie MacArthur Noll Volunteer Service Award to Grace McKivergan for her many years of outstanding volunteer service. This award was established in 1987 in memory of a much-beloved volunteer, and has been presented to an individual or couple every year since that time.

The society is pleased to report that its Annual Fund Campaign will continue through the month of December and that new and increased donations in any amount will be matched by the organization’s board of trustees up to a total of $5,000. This is a one-time matching opportunity. The Annual Fund provides the society with just over a third of its operating income. Checks may be mailed to P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

For more information call 207-824-2908 or 800-824-2910 or visit www.bethelhistorical.org.