Belgrade Historical Society: An Organization-in-Progress

As Belgrade continues to work on establishing an active historical society, much progress has already been accomplished. According to a report to the town, the following was the status for the year 2003:

The Historical Society had a very busy 2003. We had over 70 paid members and many other names of interested parties. The programs throughout the year included visiting some of Belgrade's oldest homes. We learned a great deal about farming in Belgrade from Frank Farnham and Lydia Johnson. Actually, they had lots of fun stories to share!!! We had a speaker on the Underground Railroad efforts in Central Maine. We believe there were some sites right here in Belgrade. We have had some educational programs teaching us how to do oral histories, how to identify architectural styles and related time periods and so forth.

The mission statement is as follows:

The purposes of the Belgrade Historical Society are to identify, collect and preserve data, material objects and oral narratives concerning the history of Belgrade to perpetuate the memory of those who contributed to this history, to identify and promote the preservation and restoration of buildings of historic and architectural interest, to develop educational programs, and to encourage researchers in their study of the Town's history. Ultimately, it is the goal of the Belgrade Historical Society to house the collection in a secure, accessible public space.

To date the Belgrade Historical Society has received gifts such as: a collection of old postcards from the Pope family, a collection of 33 old photos and frames from the Dionnes — former residents of Belgrade, a documentation of Revolutionary War veteran Mark Frost, a teacher's pointer from Mrs. Tremblay, and many other items. They are being stored at Long Pond Realty. The group has also received funds in memory of Roscoe Page, who had been videotaped in an interview.

The agenda for 2004 has involved scheduling historic tours in the area. Two that are coming up are an August 25^th walking tour of the Village of Belgrade Lakes and a September tour of the old Town Hall and the old cemetery.

If anyone is interested in getting in touch with the Belgrade Historical Society, call 495-9220. Dues are $10 for the calendar year; additional donations are welcome.

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Belgrade Historical Society: An Organization-in-Progress