RUMFORD – The area’s rich skiing history dating back nearly eight decades is captured in photographs now on display in a small museum in the new lodge at Black Mountain of Maine.

Maine Winter Sports Center, the mountain’s owner, and members of the Chisholm Ski Club have put together the black-and-white display in the conference room of the lodge’s second floor.

“It’s put together as a tribute to the great history of skiing in the River Valley,” said Matt Bell, a member of the mountain’s ski patrol.

Visitors, who have been trickling in since the display was installed last week, can see a native son, Chummy Broomhall, practicing for the 1952 Olympics, or an unidentified skier flying through the air from the ski jump that once overlooked the downtown area.

They can learn the history of the Rumford Outing Club, that started in 1917, and about the beginning of the Chisholm Ski Club.

Rumford first entered the world of international skiing in 1950 when skiers from all over the world descended on the town to take part in the Federation of International Skiing for 18- and 25-kilometer cross-country races. For decades now, numerous national and international cross-country races take place each year at the mountain, along with competitions by some of the state’s high schools and colleges.

Broomhall, Joe Sassi, Paul Jones and other Chisholm Ski Club members helped put the display together, along with Maine Winter Sports Center Director, Andy Shepard.

“It’s great to have a room dedicated to the community,” said Bell, who plans to take part in the Paralympics in Turin, Italy, in 2006.

People can visit the exhibit anytime during regular ski hours. The area is open Tuesday through Sunday.