BETHEL – State Historian Earle G. Shettleworth Jr., who also serves as director of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, will be the featured speaker at the 42nd annual meeting of the Bethel Historical Society on Thursday, Sept. 11, in the meeting room of the society’s Dr. Moses Mason House.

The evening will begin with a potluck supper at 6 p.m. The business meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring a dessert or salad. The society will provide baked chicken.

Shettleworth’s topic will be “Historic Maine Presidential and Senatorial Election Campaigns as Recalled by the Political Memorabilia of the Time.” The lecture is free and everyone is welcome.

The report of the Nominating Committee and officers will be heard, trustees and officers will be elected, new honorary members will be announced, outstanding volunteers will be recognized and the 2008 Society Preservation Award will be presented. All members and friends of the society are welcome.

Those wishing to attend the society’s “Grange in Maine” conference on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12 and 13, are reminded that registration should be made by Tuesday, Sept. 2.

The conference provides an opportunity to learn more about an organization that has had an influence upon Maine and its history. The conference will include several presentations, a sample Grange meeting and panel discussions.

The entire two-day conference fee, which includes three meals and registration fee, is $45, or $30 for either day if only one day is desired.

More information may be gained by calling (800) 824-2908 or e-mailing info@bethelhistorical.org.

Additional information can also be obtained by checking www.bethelhistorical.org.