NORWAY – The public is invited to share memories and memorabilia about Minnie F. Libby, the focus figure for the 2007 Norway Summer Festival, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, at the Norway Historical Society.

Anyone who remembers Miss Libby is encouraged to join with others in sharing their memories of the famous Norway photographer who lived from 1863 to 1947. The memories will help to form the material that is developed for an original biographical portrait written for release at the Norway Summer Festival on Saturday, July 7.

Briefly, Libby attended schools in Norway, then studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. She returned to Norway and opened her own photographic studio in 1885 and traveled to the Chicago World’s Fair where she took many stereopticon slides.

About 1907 she bought the Cottage Street Studio, which she operated continuously for 40 years. Her work not only included studio work and portraits, but she took her camera to the outdoors as well to capture the beauty of nature. Painting in oils was a hobby, and many canvases show scenes of flowers, lakes, woods and mountains.

The summer festival committee is also requesting the use of Libby’s photographs and paintings for an exhibit of her work that will be displayed at the Norway Memorial Library during July and August.

Local people who have items are encouraged to call Ann at the Norway library at 743-5309 to discuss arrangements for the exhibit.