A Successful Event!

   The society sponsored an event on August 17th at the Old Town House in Parsonsfield.  Both the Town House and Union Church were open to visitors and the event was very well attended.

   Sure footed visitors were also able to take a self-guided tour of the cemetery adjacent to the Town House which holds some notable graves of early settlers and Revolutionary war soldiers.

   The event was curated by Lyn Sudlow, a historical society member and resident of Parsonsfield.  We are very thankful for Lyn's outstanding effort.  We may just make this an annual event! 

   Speaking of annual events, be sure to circle September 1, 2013 on your calendar.  That is the day, between 11 am and 2 pm, when another local landmark will be open for visitors.  The Old Meeting House in Porter will again welcome visitors to celebrate its recent renovations.  Please note that this event is on, rain or shine!  Also, their are no "facilities" at the Old Meeting House.  Directions and more details to follow next week.

Local History Matters...Get Involved!

Save the Dates!

   The Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society  is hosting two wonderful events this season and we don't want you to miss them so save these dates...

Saturday, August 17th

1:00 - 3:00 pm

Remembering Middle Road Village

Parsonsfield

Visit the old Town House and Union Church...take a self-guided walk

 through the old Middle Road burial ground. 

and

Sunday, September 1st

11:00 - 2:00 pm

Local History Matters Festival

at the Porter Old Meeting House

Celebrate the recent improvements to the meeting house and

learn more about this wonderful piece of local history.  Partake in a delicious box-lunch and

try your hand at a game of horse shoes!

More information to come on both events but for now...Save the dates!
Sign up for blog posts to come directly to your in-box so you won't miss a thing!
 

Presentation Reminder...

Don't Forget!!!

June 22, 2013

1:00 pm
at History  House

Learn about the role of Maine women in the Civil War. 

Presented by author and historian,

Lynda Sudlow   

New Exhibit Opens at History House!

   On Saturday, June 1, 2013 the historical society will open its new exhibit - Our Old Curiosities.  We've rummaged through closets and attic to bring out our most interesting objects, many of which have never been exhibited before.

   From a coconut mailed to a resident in Kezar Falls in the 19th century to the jaws (complete with three rows of teeth!) of a shark, there is something in this exhibit for the whole family.  You will be both amused and puzzled at this collection of diverse artifacts.

Exhibit Opening Hours

1 - 4 pm

   So after you visit the Lilac Festival, head on over to History House and prepare to be delighted!

  

All for the Union: the Role of Women in the CIvil War- presentation at History House

   In our on-going effort to commemorate Maine's participation in the Civil War, the Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society will host a presentation by author Lynda Sudlow in which she will discuss the Maine women who served the Union in the war.

If you thought the Civil War was fought only by men, think again!  Nurse, agent, soldier, spy  -- to say nothing of all the home front efforts -- women played many critical roles during the war. Our featured speaker, Lyn Sudlow, will be sharing some of their stories with us at our meeting on June 22 as we commemorate the sesquicentennial of the war.  Lyn, author of A Vast Army of Women : Maine's Uncounted Forces in the American Civil War is a researcher, historian, and resident of Parsonsfield.  Books will be available for sale and signing. 

Mark your calendars! 1:00pm on Saturday June 22, 2013.  You won't want to miss this one!

The SIlk Industry in Maine...

   During the years 1825-1845 a mania for all things silk enthralled the nation.  It found a local connection in Hiram, Maine which sought to capitalize on people's fascination for this beautiful fabric.
   Sally Williams of the Hiram Historical Society will present an illustrated talk on this fascinating, albeit short-lived; industry in southern Maine. 
   Nancy Greenleaf will show how silk is made by hand in the villages of India from her travels there.

   Don't miss this fascinating presentation on:

Saturday, May 18, 2013

at the History House in Kezar Falls.

Presentation will follow our short meeting at

1:00 pm.

Our Annual Opening Meeting...

Detail from the Victorian crazy quilt at History House

   On Saturday, April 27 at 1 pm, the historical society will begin its new season.  The meeting will be at the Town Office since we are still cleaning and restoring the meeting room after the new floor was installed last month.

   This meeting needs a quorum as the slate of this years officers needs to be voted on so please try to attend.  Also, we are asking all historical society members to consider volunteering to help in some way this year at History House.  We need our members to help out  if we are to continue to keep the History House open and to provide interesting exhibits.  You can visit the page above to see a list of ways you can help keep our local history alive and well for all to enjoy!

   Consider signing up for updates from this blog to go directly to your inbox so you won't miss any news or changes in schedules.  Just add your email address in the box on the right and submit...couldn't be easier!  Also, check out all the new links that will make planning a day trip this summer so convenient!  For those who love history, Maine has some wonderful places to explore but begin with your very own History House because LOCAL HISTORY MATTERS!