Historical society reconvenes

BROWNVILLE — The Brownville-Brownville Junction Historical Society held its first meeting in some years on Sept. 21 at the Parish House Museum. While there was much business to be discussed, the group attending offered thanks to Carol Barnes Horne and Marilyn Chase Kindamo who have maintained the mission of the society and continued to keep the museum open with little or no assistance for a number of years now.

Volunteers Susan Worcester, Lynn Gerrish, Lynn Weston and George Dean updated the group as to the work that has been taking place this summer. Thanks to new volunteers the museum has been open two days a week throughout the summer and on Saturdays when special events were taking place in town.

Officers and board members were elected. The newly elected leadership team includes Susan Worcester – president/curator/secretary; George Dean – vice president; Marilyn Kindamo – treasurer; and Paul Foulkes, Jeff Larson, Lana Washburn, Lynn Weston and Kay Sinclair – board members.

The group agreed to purchase the program PastPerfect that is used by many small museums to document items in their care. Chris Maas from Dover-Foxcroft has offered his expertise to help train those who will be involved in this undertaking. Training will take place this fall so that work can begin as soon as possible even though the museum is closed for the season.

There was discussion about the many needs of the museum, such as a heat pump and insulation to allow the building to be open for an extended season, improved lighting and shelving. Providing programs that would be of interest to students and citizens was also noted as a goal for next year. Other, more major items, will be addressed in future years. Weston is preparing a Community Foundation Grant that will, if awarded, assist the society in furthering its mission and provide more accessibility to students and all those interested in the history of the community.

It was agreed that the society would meet four times a year; the final meeting for 2015 will take place at the Brownville Elementary School at 6 p.m. on Oct. 27. Anyone who has an interest in the history of Brownville and Brownville Junction is invited to attend. Anyone can become a member for a $5 annual dues per person; students can become junior members for $1 annually. A donation of $100 to the historical society provides one with lifetime membership.