BETHEL – More than 5,000 visitors from many parts of the world visited the Bethel Historical Society’s Regional History Center during 2005.

“The Smithsonian Barn Again!’ exhibit certainly helped bring our numbers up last year,” said Stanley R. Howe, executive director. “We enjoyed a banner year for attendance,” he added.

Visitors came from 40 states and the District of Columbia. Among the foreign countries represented on the visitor rolls were Israel, Canada, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Tasmania, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Hungary, Austria and India.

“We are looking forward to attracting people from many parts of the country and the world again in 2006,” Howe said. “Every year we try to have some different programming, which will appeal to more visitors interested in the history of this region.”

More information about the society and its activities may be obtained by calling 824-2908 or 800-824-2910, e-mailing [email protected] or visiting www.bethelhistorical.org.