BETHEL — The Bethel Historical Society has collected, preserved, displayed and interpreted the history of western Maine and the White Mountain region of Maine and New Hampshire since 1966.

Society members said much of the success has been due to the continued support from the business community in the Bethel area and beyond.

The society has announced that more than 30 Maine and out-of-state businesses have renewed or recently become “Business Partner Members” of the society. Business

Partners have a number of benefits, including a certificate to display at their site; referral of their business to visitors, staff, volunteers and trustees; a listing (with a hot link) on the society’s Web site (bethelhistorical.org); the opportunity to have brochures and business cards displayed at the Robinson House, which is open year round; subscriptions to the society’s two print publications and e-news announcements; a listing in each issue of the society’s newsletter, the Broad Street Herald; a 10 percent discount on purchases from the museum shop; invitations to the annual business partners open house; and invitations to members-only events.

Realizing that these are tough economic times, the society has lowered the minimum annual fee for business partner memberships, while allowing for support at higher levels for those who can do more. The membership fees are now $50 (minimum), $75, $100 and $200.

Anyone interested in becoming a business partner member may go to bethelhistorical.org or call 824-2908 or 800-824-2910.