The Paris Cape and Paris Hill historical societies are establishing the first Ben Conant Memorial Scholarship to help a local student looking to study history.

The $1,000 scholarship will be given to a graduating Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School student enrolled in a college program for history, archeology, museum studies or similar related field. The award is being funded by the sale of commemorative wooden Easter eggs.

Conant’s memorial scholarship is new but the fundraiser has been around for a while. 

In 2022, when the pandemic made it difficult to rely on traditional fundraising, such as baked bean suppers, Paris Hill Historical Society President Linda Richardson was trying to figure out new opportunities to support the historic district.

She happened upon an article about the White House’s annual Easter celebration, hosted by the first family, which includes colored, wooden Easter eggs as gifts for attendees. 

Looking a bit deeper, Richardson learned that the eggs were not only manufactured in Maine, but next door in Buckfield, at Wells Wood Turning and Finishing. That inspired the idea for the fundraiser.

Each egg features the likeness of a Paris Hill historic building, using images sketched 60 years ago by local artist Peg Doore. The project has been funded each year by an anonymous donor and friend of Paris history.

For the first three years, Richardson coordinated the fundraiser and proceeds were used for the upkeep of Paris Hill buildings dating to the early 19th century, such as the Oxford County jail and courthouse, Paris Hill Academy and the Hannibal Hamlin house.

In 2025, the campaign was carried out in Conant’s honor, its focus to support cooperative projects between the Paris Hill Historical Society and the Paris Cape Historical Society, which is on High Street in South Paris.

Conant was a key force in founding Paris Cape Historical Society in 1981. For years he stewarded the organization from several roles, including president and curator, and of course with his encyclopedic knowledge of Oxford Hills history. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 82.

This year’s fundraiser offers colored eggs with eight building depictions. Each one costs $10. Collectors can also purchase a custom crafted stand that holds all eight and features the Paris Hill emblem for $20.

They are available for sale at Speedway Inc.’s offices at 2 Madison Ave. in Oxford or by emailing Richardson at [email protected]. 

The eggs are available while supplies last.