BETHEL – Promise of Place, the Bethel Historical Society’s Regional History Center, will be open for extended hours to allow visitation of its special exhibit on “Wood and Woods” by people attending the Northern Forest Center’s conference March 25 to 27 at the Bethel Inn.

On March 25 and 26, hours will be from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on March 27, 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the O’Neil Robinson House. Those wishing further information should call the society office at 824-2908 or (800) 824-2910 or e-mail: [email protected].

The next class of the Bethel Historical Society’s Winter/Spring course “Northern New England and Canada” will be on Thursday, March 25, at its Regional History Center. The class will explore the development of 18th century colonial settlements of Northern New England and what is eastern Canada. Other topics to be discussed include the impact of Queen Anne’s War, the expulsion of the Acadians, the Conquest, the French and Indian War, the American War for Independence, the Treaty of Paris (1783), the Loyalists, and Jay’s Treaty.

Nearly 1,200 members strong, the Bethel Historical Society was founded in 1966. It is a full- time historical agency, dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the regional past for present and future generations. For more than 35, 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 14 Broad St. headquarters, the Dr. Moses Mason House, a period house museum and research library. In 1999, it opened the O’Neil Robinson House at 10 Broad St. 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.

Further information about the society and its activities may be obtained by calling (207) 824-2908 or (800) 824-2910 or e-mailing: [email protected]. Additional information can also be obtained by checking its Web site: www.bethelhistorical.org. The mailing address is P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217-0012.