BETHEL – The 2007 Annual Fund Committee of the Bethel Historical Society, chaired by John B. Head with members Arlan Jodrey, Dorothy Bartlett, Alden Kennett and June Abbott, has announced that the society raised more than $28,500 from more than 400 donors.

Annual fund donations support the society’s programming and operations and are always welcome throughout the year.

With more than 1,400 members, the Bethel Historical Society, founded in 1966, is western Maine’s largest full-time historical agency, dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the regional past.

For more than 40 years, the society’s activities have included lectures, exhibits, special events, heritage festivals, workshops, conferences, school and educational programs and publications.

In 1974, the society acquired the former Broad Street residence of Dr. Moses Mason, which contains a period house museum, exhibit hall and research library. In 1999, the society opened the O’Neil Robinson House (next door at 10 Broad St.) to the public for an expanded exhibit program, museum shop space and administrative offices.

Through the years, the society’s achievements have been recognized by a number of state and national organizations.

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. The society’s mailing address is P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217-0012.