BETHEL — Annual Fund gifts are the lifeblood of the Bethel Historical Society, comprising just over 30 percent of the organization’s operating income.

This year’s goal is $45,000, and the Society thanks those who have already donated for their generosity. For those who haven’t yet contributed, gifts may be mailed to the Society at P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217 or made online through the Society’s website (www.bethelhistorical.org) by PayPal or credit card. Gifts of stock are also welcome at any time. Call 207-824-2908 for additional information).

Although the Society’s O’Neil Robinson House remains closed to the public until Nov. 29, construction work is continuing at a steady pace on the new Mary E. Valentine Collections Wing. Contractor Dan Gibbs and his crew are reconstructing the side porch with the goal of making it look as much like it did when originally added in 1880 by then-owner Judge Enoch Foster and his wife, Sarah Walker Chapman.

The Robinson House, at 10 Broad St., will re-open on Friday, Nov. 29, for the museum shop’s annual 20 percent off sale, which will run through December. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sale items will include a wide range of items inspired by the Society’s museum and research library collections, as well as books, gifts and special publications associated with past and current exhibits at the Society’s Museum of Regional History.