BETHEL – The board of trustees of the Bethel Historical Society has approved a number of changes, including authorization to create the full-time staff position of director of development.

Reporting to Executive Director Stanley R. Howe, the successful applicant will be responsible for a broad range of charitable giving programs to build future support for the fast-growing organization.

More information on the position and its responsibilities can be obtained by going to www.bethelhistorical.org.

The society’s winter/spring course, “Topics in New England History,” is under way. Focusing on five topics – war, poverty, literary developments, political figures and regional characters -the course, conducted by Howe, provides perspectives on the region’s history.

A special meeting of the society will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the O’Neil Robinson House to consider amending the bylaws and hearing a report on some of the changes proposed by the trustees.

All members are encouraged to attend.

For more information about the society and its activities, call 824-2908 or 800-824-2910, e-mail to [email protected] or visit www.bethelhistorical.org.