BETHEL – Stanley R. Howe, executive director of the Bethel Historical Society, announces that the society has received a $1,000 grant from the Maine Humanities Council to fund programming associated with the Smithsonian exhibit, “Barn Again! Celebrating an American Icon,” that will be at the Dr. Moses Mason House Exhibit Hall from Aug. 19 to Oct. 22.

The exhibit is a Smithsonian Institution exhibition that explores the role of barns in the American past and examines issues shaping their future. Programming is expected to include lectures on barns and Maine agriculture, a barn tour and possibly a barn dance.

During the tour a number of activities may take place in or around barns such as quilting, weaving, cider making, corn husking, 4-H projects, Grange-related events, farm equipment exhibits and apple pie tasting contests.

There will also be Maine-themed exhibit panels on barns in addition to local artifacts relating to the topic at the Mason House location. The society will be one of three museums in Maine that will host this traveling exhibition in 2005.

“We are very pleased to include this outstanding exhibition as part of our offerings to our members, friends and the general public during 2005,” Howe said in making the announcement of the grant. “We are also grateful to the Maine Humanities Council for their support of local programming,” he added.

More information about the society and its activities may be obtained by calling 824-2908, 1-800-824-2910 or e-mailing info@bethelhistorical.org.

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.


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