OTISFIELD – The Otisfield Historical Society will inaugurate its 2008 season by taking a look at how the society was founded and at some 22 historic buildings in town. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5, at the Town Office.

After the annual election of officers and a brief business meeting, Randall H. Bennett of the Bethel Historical Society will join Ethel Turner of Otisfield in explaining how a survey of Otisfield’s historic architecture led to the formation of the society.

In 1980 a small group of Otisfield residents participated in the Oxford County Historic Survey. After learning how to identify basic architectural types and periods, the Otisfield surveyors divided the town into sectors and proceeded to research and record buildings that had special architectural or historical distinction.

One result of the survey, which was duplicated in every town in Oxford County, was the 1984 publication of Randall Bennett’s book, “Oxford County, Maine: A Guide to Its Historic Architecture.”

Now out of print, Bennett’s book provides a one-of-a-kind resource for those interested in Maine architecture or local history. A second result of the survey was the formation of the Otisfield Historical Society, whose charter membership consisted mainly of those who participated in the survey.

Twenty-two Otisfield buildings made it into Bennett’s book, ranging from “Little Green Acres” on the Gore Road, which may be the oldest house in town, to the brick Levi Mains house on Bishop Road, off Oak Hill, built in 1868-70, which Bennett calls “unique for its architectural sophistication set amid an extremely rural setting.”

Recently two society members spent an afternoon locating and photographing the Otisfield buildings. Two of the 22 no longer exist; others have been altered substantially. During a PowerPoint showing of the buildings, Bennett will explain his criteria for selecting each.

The public, especially those with a connection to the 22 buildings, is invited. For more information, call Jean Hankins at 539-2521.