BETHEL — The Bethel Historical Society held its annual Christmas with the Masons on Dec. 3 at the Dr. Moses Mason House. The museum was decorated as it might have been with boughs, berries and fruit, typical of the early 19th century.

Hot mulled cider was served from the hearth of the winter kitchen and holiday treats were available in the dining room. The fireplaces were lit and candle light flickered from the mantles providing a real feeling for what it might have been like there nearly two centuries ago.

Live period music was provided by Connie St. Pierre and Celtic harp. Lorrie Hoeh, Grace McKivergan and Allan Marcotte hosted the evening and Hoeh, McKivergan and Jackie Bell helped with decorating the rooms of the museum. More than 50 visitors of all ages took advantage of the opportunity to experience the annual event.

 A reception honoring the society’s 100 plus volunteers was also held in the meeting room of the Dr. Moses Mason House. More than 40 volunteers and their spouses attended the reception.

Society Director Stanley R. Howe expressed his appreciation for all the volunteer hours donated during 2009. He introduced society President Susan Herlihy, who thanked those present on behalf of herself and the board of trustees for their many contributions of time that makes such a difference in keeping the organization moving forward.

Randall Bennett, curator of collections and assistant director, presented a special certificate and a gift to Jane Hosterman, longtime society registrar, who is retiring and will be succeeded by Jackie Bell, a new trustee. Bennett cited Hosterman’s outstanding service and great dedication for more than 25 years.

Among those volunteers honored were June Abbott, William Andrews, Avery Angevine, Pauline Applin, Mary-Alice Bancroft, Al and Lee Barth, Dorothy Bartlett, Karen and Don Bean, Jackie Bell, Bessie Bennett, Don and Kathy Bennett, Hi and Mary Lou Berry, Jay Boschetti, Musa Brown, Hugh and Lynn Chapman, Rosalind Chapman, Norman and Sylvia Clanton, Adaline Clough, Al and Jackie Cressy, Amy Davis.

Also, Polly Davis, Todd Davis, Barbara and Bob Dion, Grace Douglass, Edie Doyle, Ginny Gamble, Caroline Gould, Wende Gray, Colwyn Haskell, Betty Ann Hastings, Walter and Carol Hatch, Dottie Heath, Susan Herlihy, Lorrie and Dick Hoeh, Ann Holt, Barbara Honkala, Jane Hosterman, Ginny Hutchins, Arlan Jodrey, Tim Kavanaugh, Virginia Kelly, Becky Kendall, Mary Keniston, Alden and Mabel Kennett.

Also, Kathy Kunkle, Barbara Lapham, James Lowe, Arlene Lowell, Tammy MacDormand, Jim Macgregor, Rachel and Blake MacKay, Allan Marcotte, Grace McKivergan, Dave Meltzer, Nancy Mercer, Florence Morgan, Cathy Newell, George Nickerson, Jack and Lucy Nordahl, Ted Orino, Marvin and Tineke Ouwinga, Jean Owen, Tim and Iris Roberts, Lucia Schwarz, Stephen Seames, Dave and Maryjane Shiverick, Vicki Smith.

Also, Warren Stearns, Jan Stowell, Kent Taylor, Rosabelle Tift, Sarah Tucker, Mary Valentine, Jackie Van Leuven, Jerry and Shireen Vincent, Frank and Jane Vogt, Dean and Priscella Walker, Ginny Walker, Margaret Wight, Asher Wilson, Edna York and Jane Young.