PPHS Update

Dear Members and Supporters of the Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society- 

We are living in times which will go down in history. Are you recording your stories of how the Covid-19 Pandemic affected you and your families? Someday our descendants may look back and wonder how we were affected by the virus and how we coped. Perhaps there are lessons to be learned. Please, for history’s sake, consider keeping a journal to share with future historians. I would like to tell you how the pandemic is affecting the Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society and how we, the officers of the organization, decided to respond to the virus.

 We had begun plans to focus on Maine’s Bicentennial Celebration. A 200 year-old birthday is a momentous event!  We had plans for programs, a major exhibit, etc. etc. when it all came to a screeching halt this spring with the “STAY AT HOME’ orders from Governor Mills and it seemed the wise thing to do. But still, decisions must be made. And now, as we enter tentative stages of some businesses and organizations re-opening with many precautions and changes in services, we decided it was time to make some decisions about the activities of Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society this summer and so we met on Tuesday, May 26 to discuss our course of action.  Here is what we decided: 

Because we are concerned about the health and safety of all of you, we decided to postpone most of our planned exhibits, open houses, programs, the yard sale, the quilt raffle, etc. until next season with a few possible exceptions. The exceptions that we are considering are to continue our open houses at the Porter Meeting House and the Parsonsfield Old Town House with precautions that include face masks and regulated traffic flow in one door and out the other. We also decked out History House with bunting and Maine’s Bicentennial Flag to commemorate the state’s 200^th birthday.  Check it out!   We also decided to take advantage of the lull in activities at History House to get some much-needed repairs and renovation work done on the building.

We will remain available to respond to questions and queries as best we can. You can email us at pphs@parsonsfieldporterhistorical.org. And we would appreciate everyone renewing their membership and possibly giving a little extra if you can. Dues are $10 per person, $15 per couple, $5 for students under 18.  Checks can be sent to:

Treasurer, Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society, PO Box 250, Parsonsfield, ME 04047.

I thank you for your understanding.

Stay safe.

Lyn Sudlow, President

Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society