RUMFORD – The Rumford Historical Society is republishing Jack Leane’s “History of Rumford, Maine, 1774-1972,” and with it additional material up to the year 2000, written by Elliot “Bud” Burns.

The book’s many additional photographs have been furnished by Burns and the society’s files, under the direction of Myrtle McKenna and William Weston.

Late spring is estimated to be the completion date of the book, according to the publications specialist at Josten’s Publications. It will then become available for public purchase through the society.

The two histories will be combined in a single volume of approximately 200 pages. The publication editors, Curds and Abbey Rice, suggested that the Leane-Burns book be covered in a way to replicate the original work.

Town Manager Robert Welch has arranged for a larger storeroom for the society’s collection of books and ledgers, and the contributions awaiting the museum’s annual lawn sale in June.

Members of the society’s Education Committee are Julie and Joseph McDonald, Jane deFrees, John Hoyt, Abbey Rice and Bruce Lindberg. At their recent meeting, plans were made for obtaining other committee members and to consider providing scholarships to Mountain Valley High School graduates, class of 2005.

Members have proposed that the society have an old-fashioned fair during the summer. The subject will be taken up at the general membership meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The most immediate activity for the society is the benefit variety show to be performed in the historic auditorium of the Municipal Building. The two performances will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 20, and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 21. The show will be directed by Robert Bohren.