NEW GLOUCESTER — Two years ago, New Gloucester Historical Society President Nancy Wilcox dreamed about a building for the society's collection of artifacts that were stored in a number of private local barns and homes.

On Sunday, Wilcox will see her dream come true when the Living History Barn is dedicated and the society celebrates its 75th anniversary. She spearheaded a capital campaign when she made a "sizable donation" last year to construct a building for the collection. That raised roughly $100,000 for the first phase of the building, said Jean Libby, a trustee for the group. Those contributors will be recognized at Sunday's dedication.

The book "New Gloucester," released through Arcadia Publishing's popular Images of America series, will be available Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Historical Society Curator Thomas P. Blake spearheaded the book project spending hundreds of hours in a cramped vault at the town's meeting house searching files, scanning pictures, and researching and writing the 128 pages that contain 230 pictures. Blake is the ninth consecutive generation of the Blake family to reside on the Penney Road, and is a direct descendant of John Stinchfield, known as the "Hero of the Blockhouse."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the history barn and a book signing are planned.

The New Gloucester History Barn committee includes Wilcox, Thomas P. Blake, Leonard L. Brooks, Stephen O. Chandler, Jean E. Libby, Betty M. True, Edward L. True and project manager Steven M. Libby.

The New Gloucester Historical Society was founded in 1934 by a group interested in preserving the history of the town as well as educating people about New Gloucester. Monthly meetings are held from September to May.

The group maintains the Blockhouse Site, home to the town's first settlers. And, the group sponsors the town's annual Strawberry Festival, the annual Apple Pie Sale and maintains an archive and library of books, biographical and genealogical information, manuscripts and journals and photographs pertaining to the town's history, residents, government, organizations and architecture.

Membership is open to the public.

What:  75th Anniversary Celebration of the New Gloucester, Maine Historical Society

When:  Sunday, Sept. 20, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Behind the Town Hall Complex on Route 231 at the new living history building