BETHEL – Stanley R. Howe, executive director of the Bethel Historical Society, announced this week that the society has received another $500 grant from Exxon/Mobil through the Volunteer Involvement Program in which annuitant Walter Hatch, society treasurer, participates.

For 20 hours of volunteer service each quarter, the society qualifies for the grant, which, at Hatch’s request, is contributed to the organization’s 2003 annual fund campaign.

“We are really grateful to Walter and Exxon/Mobil for making this grant possible,” said Howe. “It is really helpful in assisting us in reaching our budget goals and keeping our programming strong.”

More than a thousand members strong, the society, founded in 1966, is western Maine’s largest and most comprehensive full-time historical agency, dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the regional past for present and future generations.

For more than 35 years, the society’s activities have included lectures, exhibits, special events, heritage festivals, workshops, conferences, school and educational programs and publications.

Since 1974 the society has operated from its Broad Street headquarters, the Dr. Moses Mason House, a period house museum and research library. In 1999 it opened the O’Neil Robinson House (next door) to the public for an expanded exhibit program, museum shop space and administrative offices. Through the years, the society’s achievements have been recognized by a number of state and national organizations.