BETHEL – A collection of 60 mineral specimens, assembled by Stuart Martin (1907-1997), many of which were mined in locations near Bethel, will be on exhibit through June 2005 at the Bethel Historical Society’s Regional History Center.

The mineral resources of Maine, and especially of Oxford County, have attracted public attention for nearly two centuries.

In the 1820s, soon after tourmalines deposits were uncovered on Mount Mica in Paris, collectors throughout the region began gathering the gems to display and to study their appearance and scientific value, a practice which continues. Eventually, markets for the commercial use of some of the natural materials, notably mica and feldspar, were found.

Early in 2001, the society received a gift of documents, research notes and books compiled and collected by local businessman, historian and author Stuart F. Martin of Rumford Point.

Later that year the society was presented with a representative collection of Maine mineral specimens that now compose the Martin Collection. Many of the specimens were discovered in Albany, Newry, Stoneham and Rumford.

Kimball Martin and Anne Martin Smith donated their father’s research materials and mineral specimens to the society.

Visitors may see the Martin Mineral Collection weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

The Rufus Porter murals at the Bethel Historical Society’s Dr. Moses Mason House were referenced as an example of only a few in the region open to the public in an article by Wendy Moonan in the Aug. 20 edition of the New York Times.

The article provided some background on the famed itinerant painter who lived from 1792 to 1884 and is the subject of a major exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass. Dealers in Portland and in Radnor, Pa., are marketing 15 panels of Porter murals (one of only two that were signed and dated) from a demolished house in Westwood, Mass., for a package price of $800,000.

People wishing more information about the society and its activities may call 824-2908 or 1-800-824-2910 or e-mail [email protected]. Additional information can also be obtained by checking the Web at www.bethelhistorical.org. The mailing address is P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217-0012.