KINGFIELD – The trustees of the Stanley Museum have decided to table plans to move the historic museum from Kingfield, at least for now.
According to President Susan Davis, the board made the decision Saturday during its annual meeting “to take no immediate action on moving from Kingfield.”
Chairman Michael L. Roach had previously stated in the museum’s summer quarterly report that a possible move to a larger, more frequently visited area had been on trustees’ minds for many years. He said trustees had visited Portland for a board meeting and were captivated by that city’s vibrancy.
“Portland incorporates the character of yesteryear with a modern and urban environment,” Roach wrote, “retaining historical architecture that blends with her working waterfront and the cobblestone streets of the restored Old Port section.
“Best of all, it has a growing tourism element as witnessed firsthand by trustees during the board meeting,” Roach said.
Davis said Monday she wants the museum to remain in Kingfield, the birthplace of the Stanley twins, Francis Edgar and Freelan Oscar, also known as F.E. and F.O. The twins’ sister, Chansonetta, gained fame in a different way, by her world-renowned photography.
The museum today houses numerous examples of early steam cars, parts, art work, photography and family items.
“I really think the museum needs to be here,” Davis said. “The local economic impact alone is half a million dollars” a year.
Davis also said a definite action plan is being put into place to benefit the Kingfield location. A townwide mailing will take place in the coming weeks in an effort to increase area and state membership and donations.
“That will take the pulse of the town; it will tell us if people really do want us to stay here,” Davis said. “It’s extremely important that we have strong local support.”
She also noted that a recently compiled education program at the museum meets all of the Maine assessments and could be an important component in years to come. Davis will work toward that goal and hopes to have an education volunteer in place soon to help fulfill that plan.
Meanwhile, much of the Chansonetta Collection will be moved, for five years, to The Maine Women Writers Collection of the Westbrook campus of the University of New England in Portland.
The art loan will provide an opportunity for the collection to be viewed and studied by many people over the course of the five years.
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