RANGELEY – Visitors to the Rangeley region will be able to visit The Wilhelm Reich Museum when it opens on Wednesday, July 2. Throughout July and August, it will be open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and in September from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays only. Admission for adults is $5 and children 12 and under are free.

Located off Route 4 on Dodge Pond Road between Rangeley and Oquossoc, this historic site and nature preserve combines the raw natural beauty of the area with the intellectual fascination of one of the 20th century’s most controversial figures, Austrian born physician-scientist Wilhelm Reich (1897-1957).

The central focus of the museum is the massive stone building that once housed Reich’s laboratory/observatory. It is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can view a biographical video about Reich, tour the building to view Reich’s inventions and equipment, his study, library, sculpture, vivid paintings and his personal memorabilia.

The observatory roof provides spectacular views of the region’s lakes and surrounding countryside. Reich’s tomb, with its dramatic bronze portrait bust, is in a forest clearing nearby.

The museum’s Natural Science Program offers year-round environmental studies and recreational activities utilizing the property’s Conference Center, 175 acres of fields, woodland and system of trails, which are open throughout the year. In July and August a nature program is presented from 2 to 4 p.m. every Sunday free of charge and a guided nature hike is offered at 1 p.m. every Wednesday.

From July 14 to 18, the museum will host a laboratory course on The Experimental Basis for Reich’s Understanding of Cancer. It will focus on the microscopic work that led to Reich’s discovery of the bionous nature of living matter and its significance for an understanding and treatment of cancer. There is a moderate fee for this program.

An auction to benefit the museum will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 12, in the Conference Center. All types of treasures from local businesses and individuals will be up for bid.

Two flea markets will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 9.

For additional information about museum schedules, programs and fund-raisers, call 864-3443 or e-mail: [email protected]