BETHEL – December is membership month at the Bethel Historical Society. With approximately 1,200 members in 45 states, Canada, Britain and Germany, the society is among the larger historical societies in the state.

There are a number of membership categories, including sustaining ($10), contributing ($20), patron ($30), benefactor ($40), individual preference (any amount over $10), senior (over 55 years, $5), and student (under 18 years) $3. Life and corporate/business memberships are also available.

Members receive free admission to the Mason House Museum, 10 percent discount on all museum shop purchases totaling $10 or more, special library privileges, including reduced photocopying fees, subscription to the society quarterly, the Bethel Courier, reduced course fees, voting rights at the annual and special meetings and special invitations to society events.

Business/corporate members also receive a certificate to post in their place of business and listing in the Courier as a society sponsor. Those wishing to learn more about membership or volunteer opportunities should call the society at 824-2908 or 1-800-824-2910.

Sponsors for the seventh annual New Year’s Bethel are still being sought from businesses and individuals. For more information on making a tax deductible donation, call one of the above numbers.

The society’s 2004 annual fund campaign passed the $21,000 level with a record number of donors. Anyone wishing to make a tax deductible gift should send it to P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217.