The Bethel Historical Society Capital Campaign

Preserving the Past . . . Investing in the Future
Founded in 1966, the Bethel Historical Society collects, preserves, and disseminates the history of the town of Bethel and the surrounding region of northern New England, with a concentration on western Maine and the White Mountains.  Throughout the year, the Society plans and implements exhibits, as well as craft demonstrations.  It also maintains one of the largest historical and genealogical research libraries of its type in northern New England, preserves an important collection of historic objects that are linked to the history of the this region, and presents lectures, conferences, educational activities, and publications for the benefit of school children, community residents, scholars, tourists, and businesses.

 

O'Neil Robinson House South Elevation (facing Dr. Moses Mason House)
Proposed new construction includes the low, four-bay ell and large attached "barn" on right

In 1974, the Society acquired the Dr. Moses Mason House, which today contains nine period rooms, an exhibit hall, and a small research library.  By the late 1980s, the Society’s functions and collections had outgrown available space at the Mason House and the need to expand our facilities became imperative.  As a result, in 1998 the Society purchased the historic 1821 O'Neil Robinson House and launched a Capital Campaign to raise money from gifts, pledges, and matching grants to pay for the property and cover the cost of refurbishments to the structure, including new roofing and an electrical wiring upgrade.  In 2003, a motel-like rear wing constructed by the Bethel Inn in the 1930s on the site of the original ell and barn was removed so that these significant “connected farmstead” elements (see side elevation above) could be reconstructed in the future.  Our main office, Museum Shop, and several short-term exhibits now occupy space in the front portion of the Robinson House.


Robinson House Renovation Design Features
A design concept by Smith Reuter Lull Architects of Lewiston, Maine, for a museum facility within the new ell and barn at the Robinson House has been created in cooperation with the Society's Building Committee, and has been approved by the Board of Trustees.  This proposal (unshaded sections in the floor plans below) recalls the original Robinson House configuration, and includes space for a larger research library, a traditional crafts room, exhibition areas for the display of mineral specimens and other objects, a history education room, and a fireproof, climate-controlled storage facility, where the Society’s collections can be safely protected and made available to the public for both exhibition and study purposes.


 




After much study by the Society’s Capital Campaign Committee and others, it has been determined that approximately $3 million will be needed to complete the additions to the Robinson House and provide for adequate endowment funds for its future maintenance and operations.  Efforts are now underway to raise these funds from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

We invite you to become a part of this exciting expansion project!

A number of donor levels are available for those interested in supporting the new museum addition to the Robinson House, and pledges may be budgeted over a two-year period, or longer, if needed.  The names of all Capital Campaign fund donors will be permanently displayed in the entry of the Robinson House and listed in the Society's quarterly.  A few opportunities for the naming of rooms or spaces in the Robinson House also remain.  Donors may choose to immortalize a family name, a favorite ancestor, a historic personage, or a loved one, and a special commemorative plaque will be placed beside the entrance to each named room or space.
Click here for more information and for a pledge / donation form.


Return to Home page