The Historical Society has new and exciting events and activities to report for the upcoming season. Let’s start with a grant awarded by The Last Green Valley. The Society was awarded $1500 in a matching grant to upgrade the electricity to the Museum barn by putting the electricity underground, adding lights, and re-setting the stone walkway to the front door. Underground electricity creates a more historical look, eliminates a pathway for critters to connect from house to barn to shed, and is safer. The upgrade to the barn will include track lights to enhance the new exhibit space. It’s exciting to see some upgrades that will serve the Society well in the future. The barn will need further work in the form of laying the final oak floor, closing in the building where it leaks, and a coat of paint. There is still much to do and volunteer work and financial support are appreciated. Our membership drive starts in November. Our dues are $20 per family, $10 for individuals, and $150 for lifetime membership. We are especially interested in donations to help us continue the barn restoration and the interior and exterior painting.
The Board of Directors is promoting a Holiday Door Decoration contest starting December 1. If you would like to decorate any outside door (front door, pet door, bulkhead door, outhouse door ) and have it judged by fellow town citizens – just call me so I can photograph the door or send me a picture of your own. We will be looking at doors only – not whole house fronts. The judging will take place in January and the winner will appear in the Gazette. There is no age limit and no entrance fee. The doors will be judged on originality, local interest, and creativity. The categories for judging are humorous, classic, nature and themed (hobby or profession). We hope to make these photos into note cards. Our goal is to promote the sharing of the Holiday spirit – in your own way.
Our Annual Holiday Open House will be Sunday, December 2, from 1-4PM at the Museum. This falls on Hanukkah, so we will be featuring Jewish Holiday artifacts and some specialty foods. Santa will arrive at about two o’clock with gifts for kids under ten years old. Mark and Beverly Davis will entertain us with Holiday music for your enjoyment and possibly a sing-a-long. The Museum will be dressed up for the Holidays in warm and welcoming decorations, and the barn will be open so you can see the progress we’ve been making.
Everyone is invited to stop in for cider and treats before the tree lighting at 4PM at the Town Hall. Our activities are open to everyone and we encourage new activities and ideas. Please feel free to call me, Sue Hochstetter, at 860-455- 0783.