Duncan Inches, a New York Shakespearean actor and artistic director of the Shakespeare Road Company, will portray William Shakespeare, at 3 and 6:30 p.m. July 6 at Rumford Public Library.

He will present a one-man show that will bring the Bard to life through audience interaction. The afternoon performance is geared toward youngsters while the evening performance will be for both young people and adults.

Besides portraying Shakespeare, Inches also takes part in many Renaissance fairs around the country.

Museums

Many of the historical societies in the River Valley have museums, and a few have regular summer hours.

At the former Lufkin School in Rumford Center, the Rumford Historical Society maintains thousands of items ranging from hand tools and 19th and early 20th century household items, to a virtual history in pictures of the development of the local paper industry, along with tools used for it.

During the summer, the museum is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The society also maintains a collection of books, maps and other documents related to the history of the area at its office on the second floor of the Rumford Municipal Building. The archives are open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday.

The Mexico Historical Society maintains a museum on Oxford Street. Visitors can remember the Mexico Pintos through several displays of Mexico High School memorabilia.

Artwork, furniture and documents related to the town are also on display in the many rooms of the two-floor Victorian.

Members are in the process of setting up agricultural tools and other artifacts in the attached barn, and hope soon to install the bell of a former school on the property. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays.

More than 1,200 antique tools, from the collection of John Lucas Towle, dating from the late 1700s to the early 1900s, is the featured display at the Dixfield Historical Society building on Main Street.

An exhibit showing a typical early 20th century kitchen pantry, along with old business signs, antique furniture and women’s wear are also on display. The historical archives are also housed at the site.

Visitors can take in the history every Saturday from late June until early September from 1 to 3 p.m.

Music

Larry Bisbee’s Countryfolk Theater, in East Dixfield off Route 2, plans a special afternoon on Sunday, July 18, when young musicians will be awarded scholarships, and the theater’s dozens of volunteers are recognized. Along with the awards, there will be a musical jam session including everything from country to bagpipes. The afternoon begins with a potluck lunch at noon, then the music and awards the rest of the day.

The Countryfolk Theater has also planned a special singer/songwriter workshop with Rik Palieri from 10 a.m. to noon July 31. Those who wish to participate should register by phoning Bisbee at 645-4875.

Two area festivals will feature music as well as art, crafts people and other events.

The annual Moontide Water Festival began in downtown Rumford Thursday afternoon with the sounds and stories of American Indian Nightshade Wolfstone Francis. On Friday, July 2, the Mistaas Riff rock band plays at 6 p.m., and on Saturday, Wing Nuts improv comedy performs at 3, followed by the E and I Band at 6 p.m.

Sunday’s July Fourth festivities include a sidewalk chalk art show at 9 a.m., and several dancers and musicians performing throughout the day, with fireworks capping the celebration at 9:15 p.m.

Rumford Center will host a villagewide, daylong country fair on July 31. The centerpiece of the day will be a Civil War encampment by Company A, 3rd Regiment. Along with the history will be performances by several bands, crafts demonstrations, lots of food, a mime performance and an antique car show.