BETHEL — The Bethel Historical Society will celebrate a yearlong celebration in honor of its 50th anniversary.

Staff and members of the Programs, Exhibits and Publications Committee are planning new exhibits, special programs and ways to mark 50 years of collecting, preserving and sharing local and regional history on Broad Street.

Among the possibilities being discussed are the ever-popular “Antiquarian Supper,” a tradition going back to 1855, a spring program on the history of making maple sugar, an exhibition focusing on the western Rangeley Lakes titled, “They Took to the Woods,” a musical event/fundraiser featuring a well-known participant from the “Music Without Borders” concert series and more.

A schedule of BHS Golden Anniversary Programming will be published early in 2016, with frequent updates and additions appearing on the group’s Facebook page and within its e-News posts.

Along with the anniversary celebrations, the group is also expanding its yearly fall fundraiser by creating a new donor category, called Golden Anniversary Donors. 

Individuals who either donate $50 or more as a first gift, or who add that much to their 2014 donation, will be listed separately in the group’s next donation report, published in 2016, and will receive a unique, 50th anniversary commemorative thank-you gift with their acknowledgement letter.

Those not already on the mailing list and who are interested in becoming a donor may call the Society.

FMI: 207-824-2908, [email protected].