BETHEL — The Bethel Historical Society board of trustees, made up of 15 individuals, has offered to match, dollar-for-dollar, new and increased Annual Fund donations up to a total of $5,000.

To date, a number of both new and increased gifts have come in. With several weeks to go before the end of the year, the society hopes to meet the Board Challenge and reach its Annual Fund goal of $42,000.

Anyone interested in lending support and taking advantage of the matching opportunity is encouraged to send a gift in any amount to the society at P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217.

For nearly half a century, members and friends have recognized the importance of the organization’s work of collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of western Maine and the White Mountain region through their financial support.

Representing a third of the society’s yearly income, the Annual Fund allows a small staff and volunteers to maintain daily operations and to offer programs and exhibits that make the Bethel region’s history accessible for thousands of adults and school-age children.

In a letter recently mailed to members and past donors, the society announced the special challenge that was offered in support of the fund campaign.

For more information on the society, call 824-2908 or 800-824-2910 or visit www.bethelhistorical.org.