RANGELEY — The Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum is offering free admission to all residents of Franklin County from Sept. 17 through Columbus Day, Oct. 13.

The popular museum on the corner of Routes 4 and 17 in Oquossoc Village will close its doors for the season on Columbus Day after enjoying a record year in both memberships and attendance. “The museum has enjoyed tremendous season, so the board of directors wanted to do something to say ‘thank you’ to our neighbors in the community by inviting all the local folks to come enjoy the facility free of charge,” said Executive Director Bill Pierce.

OSHM, recognized as “Best Sporting Museum in New England” in the May/June issue of Yankee Magazine, has enjoyed a 122 percent increase in visitors thus far in 2014 over what had been a record 2013 season. “Word is spreading rapidly throughout New England, that this little museum in the woods contains an impressive collection of exhibits that offers an entertaining glimpse into our fascinating and colorful history,” added Pierce.

The Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum is a 501-C3 nonprofit established by the Rangeley Lakes Region Historical Society. OSHM will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays for the remainder of September and on Saturdays and Sundays in October until Columbus Day. Admission is normally $5, but visitors from Franklin County with I.D. will be admitted free of charge.

For more information, call 207-864-3091 or go online at www.rangeleyoutdoormuseum.org.