BETHEL – An exhibit, “Cohen, Congress and Controversy: Rediscovering Civics in the Archives” opened at 6 p.m. July 25 in the Bethel Historical Society Regional History Center’s O’Neil Robinson House.

The exhibit focuses on Congressman, and later U.S. Sen. William S. Cohen’s oversight record in the years 1973-1997. It will also be highlighted by items from the society’s collection, as well as loans from individuals. It is sponsored by the University of Maine’s Fogler Library in cooperation with the William S. Cohen Center at the university.

Local hosts will be the Bethel and Gilead historical societies.

Designed to travel the route Cohen walked in his tour of the Second Congressional District in 1972 to win his seat in Congress, the exhibit will eventually arrive at the end of the line in Fort Kent.

During the opening of the exhibit, Paige Lilly of the University of Maine’s Folger Library will speak followed by professor Chris Potholm of Bowdoin College, who will provide some reflections on his friend, Bill Cohen. He will speak at 7:30 p.m. in the Dr. Moses Mason House meeting room.

At approximately 4 p.m., there will be a gathering at the state line in Gilead where Potholm and others interested in visiting the spot where Cohen’s political career began can pose for photos.

The public is invited to the photo opportunity, exhibit opening and the lecture. There is no admission.