BETHEL — On Sept. 26, the Bethel Historical Society participated in the fifth annual Museum Day, presented by Smithsonian magazine.

Smithsonian’s Museum Day reflects the spirit of the magazine and emulates the free admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, DC-based properties.

In 2008, upwards of 200,000 people attended Museum Day, with all 50 states plus Puerto Rico represented by more than 900 museums, including 84 Smithsonian affiliate museums. This year the magazine expected to attract more than 1,000 museums.

“Museum Day offered an opportunity to celebrate all we have to offer here in Bethel with our period house museum, exhibits and historical film presentations among other attractions,” said Stanley R. Howe, executive director. “This participation attracted new people to come and gain insights into life in Western Maine and Northern New Hampshire – right here in the center of Northern New England,” he said. 

Free admission to the Dr. Moses Mason House Museum was offered to attendees who presented Museum Day admission cards to the guide at the museum. Each card provided museum access for two people. 

In anticipation of a forthcoming ski exhibit at the society, Scott Andrews, a Portland-based ski journalist and board member of the Ski Museum of Maine, presented a free illustrated talk tracing the history of skiing in Maine from its origins as basic winter transportation in Aroostook County’s Swedish Settlement to present-day happenings. In the early 20th century, skiing evolved into a sport and by the late 1960s, it was one of the most popular recreational activities in Maine. 

Volunteers who worked during Museum Day were guides Nancy Mercer and Al Marcotte and museum shop attendants Jackie Bell and Vicki Smith.

Further information about the society and its activities may be obtained by calling 824-2908 or 1-800-824-2910 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Additional information can also be obtained by checking the society’s web site at www.bethelhistorical.org.