75th Anniversary! River`s Edge

75 Anniversary!
th
By The
River’s Edge
Skowhegan History House Society Newsletter
Spring 2012 Edition
skowheganhistoryhouse.org
Skowhegan’s Historic Gem- 75 Years Old
Summer Intern
Page 4
2012 Focus
Page 5
Historical GuidedWalking Tours
Page 6
CAP Grant
Page7
Volunteering
Page 8
2012 Programs
& Events
Page 9
Giving Opportunities
Page 10
Home Registry
Program
Page11
Melvin Burnham et al
The year was 1937. Unemployment had dropped nearly 7 points from the previous
year to 14.3%; the Golden Gate Bridge had opened; the Hindenburg had exploded, and
Amelia Earhart was missing. A loaf of bread cost 9 cents; average wages were $1,780 per
year; a new car sold for $760; the price of gas was 10 cents a gallon. And on the bank of
the Kennebec River, Skowhegan’s History House opened, a result of the vision, generosity,
and dedication of native-daughter Louise Helen Coburn.
Miss Coburn, then eighty-one years old, lived at the foot of Neil Hill in
Skowhegan, Maine in the family home where she was born. Her parents, Stephen and
Helen Coburn, had reared their family of five children in this same home now used as a
dental office and private home.
Miss Coburn was the second
female graduate of Colby College, where
she was a founder of a literary and social
society, the Alpha Chapter of Sigma
Kappa Sorority. She was well known
within her community as a very active
civic leader, poet, historian, writer, world
traveler, philanthropist, and as a woman
before her time. In 1937 she was still
working on her two-volume history,
Louise Helen Coburn, founder of History House, by the
Skowhegan on the Kennebec, which
fireplace in her home
would be published in 1941.
Across the intersection from the Coburn home on land where once a pottery owned
by the Philbrick brothers manufactured vessels for home use, stood a small brick building
which was constructed in 1839. It had been used as a home for a family of ten children and
as the home of the two sassy Tilton sisters. Later the structure became a warehouse, and the
land was used by the Skowhegan Pulp Co. and Central Maine Power to store logs and other
“Preserving and Promoting Our Community’s Cultural Heritage” Page 1 materials of the time. When Miss Coburn purchased the property in 1935 to establish a local history museum, the
building was in severe disrepair. She employed local artisans to restore the building to its original appearance reflecting a
mid-1800’s home and filled it with period furnishings from Skowhegan homes. Miss Coburn also added a fireproof ell to
serve as a museum and repository for her research materials and other items of interest of the period
including glassware, china, historic artifacts, and records.
History House opened in 1937 with the help of the local Daughters of the American
Revolution (DAR). The Daughters assisted in furnishing the museum and served as docents for a
time. Upon her death in 1949, Miss Coburn’s will provided that the History House and its
collections be placed in trust under the Trustees of Bloomfield Academy. At the same time a nonprofit association was created to manage the museum and collections “in every respect.” The
Lee Granville,
Curator
museum was initially open for a few hours usually on a Saturday through the summer season.
Over the seventy-five years of operation, numerous caretakers or
curators have conducted tours and managed the collections under the
supervision of the History House Association, Inc. Those curators included
such prominent citizens as Edith Philbrick, Miriam Brier, Dorothy
Paradise, Marjorie Ensminger, William Laney, Judy Inchauteguiz, Roberta
Knowles, Mary Vermette, to name a few, and presently Lee Granville.
These folks have welcomed thousands of visitors to History House,
provided informative guided tours through the museum, and assisted
historians as they conducted research in their field. Many local visitors
remember when they visited History House on school field trips.
Today Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center
serves as a repository for many of Skowhegan’s unique historic records and
Christopher & Michelle Carbone with Curator,
archives. Some early town records and photographs exist only in our
Miriam Brier ca. 1969
collections. Digitalized Sanborn Maps are now available for viewing.
Researchers find genealogical information in the family histories that
On Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007, I went to visit
cannot be found elsewhere. The Museum & Research Center staff
the History House. Mr. Granville, the curator,
offers assistance to local and regional researchers including
showed us the History House.
newspaper staff, family historians, and to town officials in need of
Two of my favorite things were the bed
local historic facts.
warmers and the wedding dress. When you use
Some of the collections include:
the bed warmer you get warm ashes from the
• The Philbrick Pottery Collection of Exeter Redware
fireplace. Then you put them in the bed warmer
including milk settling dishes, pots, and a pitcher, were
and bring them up the stairs. You rub the
manufactured from 1799-1825 on the site of History House.
warmer on the sheets and your bed is warm.
• The Regina Music Box, ca. 1895, uses perforated metal discs
The wedding dress was so beautiful. I want
to play music of the period (i.e. “Summer Wedding,” “The
it. It was white with flowers. It was made with
Sweetest Story Ever Told,” “The Mockingbird,” and “Hail
silk from China. I wonder where she got
Columbia”).
married.
• The Anadrosis steam bath cabinet, ca. 1880, was invented
Loryn
by “Dr.” Conant, a photographer in the community. Dr.
Conant developed a process to expel poisons and banish diseases using the steam bath followed by a liniment
consisting of alcohol and opium.
• Upstairs rooms contains a collection of dolls, Civil War weaponry, and historic clothing plus other artifacts of
the period.
• Oil on canvas paintings include portraits of notable local people, as well as those of Samuel and Joseph
Philbrick, the founders of the Philbrick Pottery.
“Preserving and Promoting Our Community’s Cultural Heritage” Page 2 •
•
•
•
•
The Redington-McClellan collection, on permanent loan by the Redington-Fairview Hospital, represents some
of the finest furnishings of the 19th century.
The town records collection has documents dating back to 1783: an original leather-bound journal kept by the
town clerk at the time; cemetery, birth, death and marriage records; and a transcript of Joseph Weston’s second
journey (1772) to what was Canaan, now known as Skowhegan. The Westons were one of the first families to
settle in this area.
The Alexander Crawford, Jr., Civil War Collection contains documents, letters,
uniform, and personal items used by this Civil War soldier, a native son. This is one of
the better Civil War memorabilia collections in the state.
Collections of early Skowhegan newspapers (1828 – 1900) include the Somerset
Reporter, Skowhegan Sentinel, Democratic Clarion, Republican Clarion, and the Down
East Screamer.
Numerous updated family histories, user friendly and specific to local families, are
Lt. Alexander
prized by genealogical researchers.
Crawford, Jr.
Ornamental heirloom gardens, established in 2005, showcase nearly 50 examples of oldfashioned plant materials that would have been available to New England gardeners during the mid-1800's. An
informative brochure with full descriptions and photos is available for visitors at the kiosk. Each variety has been labeled
with professional signage as well. A master gardener, who works with volunteers to
maintain the gardens and grounds, thins the plantings annually and offers them for sale at
a spring plant sale, the proceeds of which assist in supporting the upkeep of the grounds.
Today Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center is managed by an
active board consisting of ten Trustees, a part-time Director and a part-time Curator.
During the 2011 season 185 patrons from Skowhegan, 177 from elsewhere in Maine, and
108 from out of state visited. We even had visitors from India and Indonesia. Museum
hours have been expanded over the years to June through mid-October, Tuesday –
Delphinium
Saturday, 10:00 – 4:00.
With the help of a growing volunteer force, the Trustees have worked to expand the programs and events to
increase patronage and support. The 2012 Programs and Events listing includes a Heritage Tea with the Bloomfield
Garden Club, a Business Social, a 75th Anniversary Celebration, tutorials on gravestone cleaning and preservation,
presentations on the Coburn Legacy, and “The Good Ole Days- How Horrible!” Guided tours of historic Skowhegan will
also be offered this summer, and the Historic Home Registry Program will celebrate its first listing.
Our mission is to preserve and promote our community’s cultural heritage. This task relies on dedicated
volunteers, staff, and a supportive community.
On this historic year, the 75th Anniversary, let’s celebrate this iconic landmark in our community, that small brick
building nestled by the tranquil Kennebec, the place we call the History House. Visit, take a tour, volunteer, become a
Society Member, and appreciate the extraordinary collections it has to offer. You will be glad you did!
Visit the Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center Online!
www.skowheganhistoryhouse.org
Skowhegan History House is now online. The website offers visitors extensive
information concerning: Association, Photo Gallery, Heirloom Gardens, Research,
Exhibits, Heritage Shop, Giving Opportunities, Hours/Location, Volunteer
Information, Contact Us/ Links, Newsletters/ Articles, as well as information under
Before You Visit.
Visitors are also offered the choice of making donations using the “Donate” button
which uses a secure credit card service and Paypal. The website also offers visitors an
introduction to the DVD entitled History House Tour with Lee Granville.
“Preserving and Promoting Our Community’s Cultural Heritage” Page 3 Sam Wheeler- Summer Intern
Sam Wheeler, a Skowhegan High School senior, will continue as a
summer intern at the Skowhegan History House Museum & Research
Center for the 2012 season. Sam is highly involved in school sports and
theater. He volunteered in 2010 and served as an intern last summer. His
intern duties will include cataloguing collections, serving as a docent, and
assisting in all facets of operating a small museum.
Under this program an area student entering sophomore, junior or
senior high school or college can be employed for twenty-five hours per
Summer Intern Sam Wheeler
week for eight weeks. Interns need be interested in local history, have
experience and training with computer technology, be able to communicate well with the public, follow
directions, be a dependable self-starter needing minimal supervision, and present her/himself in a professional
manner.
The Summer Internship Program is made possible this year through generous donations from Mrs.
Dorothy Cleaver, Mr. Chuck Carpenter, and the Redington-Fairview General Hospital.
Society Membership, Appeals Contributors,
& Partnerships
Life
Melvin & Debra Burnham
Nathan & Rachelle
Burnham
Richard & Bonnie
Chamberlain
Patricia Dickey*
Jim & Eileen Ferland*
Walter & Sandi Hight*
Sam & Patricia Horine*
Pauline Kimball
Bill Laney*
Ellen MacMichael
Delores Mowatt*
Alex Pakulski
Ingrid & Susan Philbrick
Roger & Marilyn Renfrew
Sandy & Mary Turbyne*
Gerald & Ruth Vermette
Dale & Rick Watson
Student/Senior
Rodney Arno*
Thomas & Elas Apetz
Warren Balgooyan
Marjorie H. Coburn Black
Elaine Cannell*
Diane Crowley
Ruth Blood
Linda S. Chandler*
Elinor Clark
Connie Connell
Joan Farnsworth
Dassie M. Jackson
Virginia Jordan
Karen C. Marsh
Edna Marshall
Carl & Gail McKenney*
James McManus
Hilma Millett
Mr. & Mrs. S. Peter Mills
Mickey & Janet Powers
Sylvia Richardson*
Nancy Simonof
Hatherly & Alice Souther*
Bob & Carol Withee
Individual
Lucile Andrews
Gregory Bisson
Evalyn Bowman
Pat Burdick*
Mary Lynn Cayford
David DeCato*
Ronda Ducret
Gay Fawcett
GFWC/Semper Fidelis
Richard & Janice Hight
Ron LaFratta*
Verna Lister
Edna T. Marble
Tom Mickewich*
Jennifer Olsen
Marc Poulin
Steven Jones
David Richards*
Mary Jane Rinfret
Susan Surabian
Derek Tarson
Richard Tessier
Clinton B. Townsend
Robert Washburn
Family
Alan & Mary Marble
Burgess*
Mike & Karyn Curran
Jeff & Kathy Evans
Jack & Gail Gibson*
John & Cathy Gifford
Jim & Corrilla Hastings
David & Barbara Hawes
Betty & Bruce Haynes*
* Members who also contributed to the Appeals Program
“Preserving and Promoting Our Community’s Cultural Heritage” Louis & Deborah Hight
Steven Jones
Dave & Pam McDermott*
Katharine B. Philbrick
Robert Nicholson
Will & Margaret Reid*
Gust & Jan Stringos*
Peter & Barbara Whitkop*
Business
Gifford’s Ice Cream
Kyes Insurance Co.
Sackett & Brake Surveyors
Skowhegan Rotary Club
Appeals
Contributors*
Patricia Boyle
Stephen Dionne
Violet Ferland
Kyle Timothy Home LLC
Al & Cynthia Laiho
Alice Jump
Kurt & Patricia Maynard
Hilma Millett
Mary L. Holden Mollerus
Anita Mullen
Ingrid Philbrick
Katharine B. Philbrick
Maxine Russakoff
Warren & Jeanne Shay
Martha Smart
Tim Wheeler & Maura
Smith
Hi-Tech Software
Mary Vermette
Dick & Mary Willett
Partnerships
Chuck Carpenter
Dorothy Cleaver
K Hartsgrove
Nancy Jervey,
Jervey Design
Lee York, Econo Electric
John Lynch Landscaping
Scot Hawkins, S & K Heating
Redington- Fairview Gen.
Hospital
(As of 4/27/2012)
Thank
You!
Page 4 Our Focus for the 2012 Season
As the excitement of celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Skowhegan History House mounts,
the Board of Trustees also is focused on working toward achieving goals to insure that the History House and its
collections will be around for generations to come.
During 2012 we will focus on the following projects in meeting those goals.
Conservation Assessment Program: Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center has been awarded a
$7190 grant to participate in the Heritage Preservation Conservation Assessment Program. Accordingly, we will
prepare for and host two professional assessors during a site visit on June 19 & 20 ; complete all required assessment
documents, agreements, etc.; analyze assessment findings; begin to institute those that can be done easily and with
current funding; and begin to plan for fund raising for recommendations beyond current funding limits.
Update Technology Systems: Complete the process of updating all computers to use common systems (Microsoft
Office 207 & PastPerfect 5.0) and to be wireless; and provide an ergonomically correct computer station and business
chair in the museum for intern and volunteer use. If funded, staff will institute the goals of the technology grant.
Collection Cataloging: Complete the process of cataloging the Redington Collection as well as all of the large
pieces (furniture, furnishings, glass, ceramic, artifacts) other than paper documents and photographs.
Collection Preservation/Conservation/Indexing, etc.: Complete the process of making placards for the second
floor collections and for the indexing process for the Genealogy and Newspaper collections.
Continue to build the Volunteer Program: Increase the number of active volunteers to 15 and reach the level of
having at least two volunteers per day to allow for proper safety and coverage levels. Create a process of training
volunteers for various tasks including docents, and increase the frequency and manner of honoring volunteers.
Heirloom Gardens: The gardens and lawn areas will be utilized to enhance the History House programs and attract
more interest. New professional signage for the heirloom plantings will be designed, purchased, and installed. The
Master Gardener will also create an informational brochure of the Heirloom Gardens for patrons.
Tours of Historic Community Districts: Staff and volunteers will develop and conduct at least two guidedwalking tours of historic districts this season.
Society Membership/Patronage/Funding: We will strive to meet our goal of increasing Society Membership
and to host at least 500 on-site patrons this season. We will use the theme of “Honoring the Coburn Legacy” to
continue to build interest in the History House and implement the Programs and Events listed for 2012. At least 2
themed based tours will be created at History House to augment the traditional house tours. Staff and Trustees will
strive for as much supportive publicity as possible to enhance all aspects of the History House programs and events.
Additional signage will be purchased and used along with existing banners to increase and attract patronage.
Our Mission
Board of Trustees
Melvin Burnham, President
Patricia Horine, Treasurer
Bonnie Chamberlain, Secretary
Ron La Fratta, Financial Clerk
Ruth Blood
Ronda Ducret
Joyce Foley
Lee Granville
James Hastings
Reg Strout
“Preserving an increasingly valuable historic collection
representing Skowhegan’s legacy and promoting
Skowhegan’s cultural heritage.”
We invite you to visit the Skowhegan History House Museum
& Research Center Online.
By The River’s Edge, Skowhegan History House Society Newsletter- Published twice annually
Editor & Graphics Designer- Melvin Burnham, Director /President Board of Trustees
Assistant Editor/Researcher- Ruth Blood, Trustee
“Preserving and Promoting Our Community’s Cultural Heritage” Page 5 Historical Guided-Walking Tours
Skowhegan Falls, ca. 1892
Beginning this summer Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center will be conducting tours
of historic sections of our community. Two tours will be offered this year- Skowhegan Falls and Historic Elm
Street. These guided-walking tours will take participants back to the early 1800s with the use of early photos
and historic structures. They will be offered in-depth information and visuals that will assist in creating a good
understanding of what role Skowhegan Island and Skowhegan Falls have played in the early industry and
culture of this area. The Historic Elm Street
guide will also use visuals and information to
illustrate how early settlers on Elm and Pleasant
Streets helped set the scene for what we now
call Skowhegan. Participants will glean what it
was like to live and work in this era and how
the power of moving water can shape the
destiny of a community.
Participants will register and pick up
tour tickets at the Skowhegan History House
Museum & Research Center, gather on the
Riverside Lawns for initial presentations and
then reconvene at the tour starting points. The
Ice-out North Channel Dam & Elm Street
walking tours will be tailored to participants’
needs and interests but will generally take approximately 1 ½ - 2 hours. Participants are welcome to bring and
use lightweight folding chairs for their comfort. Photographers are welcome.
Tour schedules will be announced through the newspaper, online-www.skowheganhistoryhouse.org,
and at the Museum & Research Center. Feel to call for information- 207-474-6632.
“Preserving and Promoting Our Community’s Cultural Heritage” Page 6 Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center Awarded
Heritage Preservation CAP Grant
The Trustees of the Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center learned early this spring that
Heritage Preservation had awarded the museum a Conservation Assessment Program grant of $7190. Heritage
Preservation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the United
States. By identifying risks, developing innovative programs, and providing broad public access to expert
advice, Heritage Preservation assists museums, libraries, archives, historic preservation and other organizations,
as well as individuals, in caring for our endangered heritage.
What is the (CAP) Conservation Assessment Program?
The Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) is a technical assistance program that provides eligible
museums with a general conservation assessment. Unlike a detailed object-by-object survey, a general
conservation assessment is a broad study of the policies, practices, and conditions that affect the care and
preservation of collections. It is conducted by a conservation professional (also called an assessor) and has three
components: a self-study questionnaire undertaken by the museum’s staff, the gathering of information on-site
by assessors, and the interpreting and reporting of that information. A completed conservation assessment report
identifies and describes the problems that affect the preservation of collections and historic structures, analyzes
the causes of these problems, and suggests a plan of action.
The Conservation Assessment Program supports a two-day site visit by a conservation professional to
perform the assessment and an additional three days to write the report. For museums in historic structures at
least 50 years old, CAP also supports a two-day site visit by a historic structures assessor and an additional three
days to write the report.
Mr. Ronald S. Harvey of Tuckerbrook Conservation in Lincolnville has been hired to conduct the
conservation assessment. Mr. John Leeke, a preservation consultant from Portland, will conduct the assessment
of our historic structure. Both professionals are highly qualified and the Museum & Research Center is most
fortunate to have their services. These services would be beyond our fiscal limits if it were not for the Heritage
Preservation grant. Mr. Harvey and Mr. Leeke will be on site June 19 & 20th to gather information for the
assessment.
The resulting assessment reports will be used to determine next steps in preserving our collections and
historic structure and for setting goals to that end. The reports will also be used to support future grant
applications for preservation activities at the Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center.
The Conservation Assessment Program began in 1990 and is supported through a cooperative agreement
with the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary
source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to
create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the
national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge;
enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development.
Bird’s- Eye View Historic Maps
Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center is taking orders
for 20” X 30” or 16” X 24” prints of this panoramic map of Skowhegan (1892)
with Hotel Heselton advertisements. This beautiful, professional print is crisp,
clean and ready for framing. It would look wonderful in any place of
prominence.
Select the Heritage Shop tab on our website
www.skowheganhistoryhouse.org for more information about this detailed
panorama and one other historic map ca. 1883. Both would make perfect gifts.
“Preserving and Promoting Our Community’s Cultural Heritage” Page 7 Volunteering at Skowhegan History House
Skowhegan History House Museum and Research Center depends heavily on dedicated and talented volunteers to
continue the mission of "Preserving an increasingly valuable historic collection representing Skowhegan's legacy and
promoting Skowhegan's cultural heritage." Last year 14 supporting volunteers at the History House gave over 850 hours
of their time in service to the museum, research center, and gardens.
The History House was opened to the public in 1937 by Louise Helen Coburn and has developed over the years
into a fascinating collection of local interest exhibits, research materials, and gardens. This
development has been greatly enhanced over the years by the dedicated and consistent giving
of time, talent and loving care by the many volunteers. We look forward to working with our
veteran volunteers again this year. We also look forward to working with the new volunteers.
You are welcomed!
Our volunteers have an opportunity to:
• Be an active part of and contribute to our community.
• Assist in the preservation of a wonderful collection relating to local history.
• Help others learn the lessons from our past.
Reg Strout,
• Make a positive impact on the museum and its patrons.
Volunteer Coordinator
• Learn more about our community and our neighbors.
• Make new friends, learn new skills, develop and utilize existing skills, build confidence and self-esteem.
• Gain satisfaction by accomplishing meaningful tasks while helping others, and above all, HAVE FUN.
Our volunteers use their time and talents by:
• Assisting with visitors and tours, cataloging artifacts and other historic materials.
• Designing and creating displays.
• Maintaining and cleaning the museum and research center.
• Assisting the master gardener in the Heirloom Gardens and with landscaping.
• Performing clerical work and answering the phone during operational hours.
• Researching and/or writing articles for publication.
Hollyhock
• Teaching small groups of children about local history and historic preservation.
• Assisting the Board of Trustees in accomplishing major projects pertaining to the History House solicitation, preparing materials for distribution or mailings, creating presentations, etc.
• Assisting patrons with genealogical research or other research endeavors.
As a non-profit organization, the Museum & Research Center depends heavily on the time, talent and support of
its volunteers to keep operating and providing a much needed service to our greater community: If you would like to
become a volunteer, or if you know of someone that might enjoy volunteering, please contact: Reg Strout,
Trustee/Volunteer Coordinator, rstrout@gwi.net, 474-0673
Notes from the Master Gardener
Spring is always a busy time at the History House gardens! We begin our season with the usual chores:
volunteers will clean up winter debris from the gardens, weed, prune, add composted soil to the beds, and add new plants
material to our collection.
Like so many of our neighbors, we’ve had to deal with an infestation of grub worms in several areas of our lawn.
A volunteer work crew raked composted soil, then fertilized, reseeded, and spread straw over the affected areas. We hope
to have our lovely green lawn restored in time for the May 29th opening of the Museum.
This spring we’ll install new professional grade signage throughout the gardens, and we’ll offer a new Heirloom
Garden Guide to make plant material identification easier. The new signage will list each plant’s botanical and common
name. The Heirloom Garden Guide, which is organized alphabetically by a plant’s botanical name, will offer additional
information on each plant’s background. The Guide is available in our kiosk.
We’ll offer some of our heirloom plant material at our annual Heritage Plant Sale, which this year will be held on
May 26th (9 AM until noon) at the Skowhegan Savings Bank lower parking lot on Madison Avenue.
Happy Spring! We hope to see you at our Plant Sale and of course, in the gardens!
“Preserving and Promoting Our Community’s Cultural Heritage” Page 8 Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center
2012 Programs & Events
April 25 The Good Ole Days- How Horrible! 7:00 PM, Skowhegan Free Public Library
May 16 Volunteer- Open House 3:30 – 5:30 PM, Museum & Research Center
May 24 Demonstration of the Proper Care & Cleaning of Cemetery Gravestones –
This hands-on demonstration will provide insightful information concerning the tools, materials, and
techniques for the proper care and cleaning of cemetery gravestones.
Donations Requested 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Southside Cemetery, Main Street, Skowhegan
May 26 Heritage Plant Sale- 9:00 – 12:00, Skowhegan Savings Bank Parking Lot, Madison Ave.
Skowhegan History House ornamental Heirloom Gardens were established in 2005 and are maintained
by Master Gardener Patricia Horine. This sale will contain a large variety of old-fashioned plant
materials that would have been available to New England gardeners in the mid-1800’s.
May 29 2012 Opening of Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center
Open 10:00 – 4:00, Tuesday - Saturday
May 31 Museum “After Hours-” 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Museum & Research Center
Honored guests and friends will be offered specifically featured tours of interest that will enlighten and
inspire all participants. Trustees will be on hand to provide insight in the Museum & Research
Center’s programs and future direction. Refreshments and door prizes will be provided.
June 2 Heritage Tea 2:00 – 4:00 PM Museum & Research Center-Heirloom Gardens &
Riverside Lawns Co-sponsored by the Bloomfield Garden Club and Skowhegan History
House Museum & Research Center. Music provided by Foxwell & Company
June 16 Demonstration of the Proper Care & Cleaning of Cemetery GravestonesRepeat of session held on May 24
Donation Requested 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Southside Cemetery, Main Street, Skowhegan
June 19–20 Museum & Research Center closed- Comprehensive Assessment Site Visit
July 3-4 Museum & Research Center closed for holiday
July 18 Celebrating the Coburn Legacy-7:00 – 9:00 PM, Museum & Research Center
Trustees will lead a presentation and discussion concerning the Coburn Legacy that we all enjoy today,
a century later. The cultural icons left in our community--Coburn Park, The Somerset County Court
House, the Skowhegan Free Public Library, the Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center,
and the Somerset Woods Trust-- all symbolize that not only financial insight but also the values of
generosity, civic duty, education, and public service made the Coburns noble citizens within a
community they dearly loved. Music, refreshments and door prizes will be offered.
June - Sept. Special Historic Feature Community Tours offered
September 8 Skowhegan History House- 75th Anniversary & Louise Helen Coburn’s 156th
Birthday- 1:00 - 3:00 PM Museum & Research Center- Heirloom Gardens & Riverside Lawns
Come join the 75th Anniversary celebration, enjoy some cake, and live music on the Riverside Lawns.
Bring a lawn chair and sit awhile beside the majestic Kennebec River. Feel free to take a tour of the
History House Museum & Research Center before or after the celebration. Everyone is welcome!
Music provided by Foxwell & Company
October 6 Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center Closing for the Season
October 11 Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, 11:30 AM, Heritage House
“Preserving and Promoting Our Community’s Cultural Heritage” Page 9 Giving Opportunities
The History House Association, Inc. - Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center welcomes financial
support to further its goals and mission, programming, general operations, and endowment activities. History House is a 501(c)
(3) non-profit charitable organization and your donation is tax deductible within the limits of the Internal Revenue Code.
For information on any of the following giving opportunities please contact the Skowhegan History House Museum &
Research Center, P.O. Box 832, Skowhegan, Maine 04976, the Curator at LeeGranville@skowheganhistoryhouse.org, or any member
of the Board of Trustees.
Society Membership In 2006, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Skowhegan History House, the Board of Trustees of
the History House Association, Inc. created a society to assist in the further advancement of the organization. Members of the
Skowhegan History House Society represent patrons, families, and friends of the History House who wish to support financially the
Association’s efforts in preserving Skowhegan’s legacy and promoting its heritage. Annual and lifetime memberships are offered. In
addition to supporting the History House, membership benefits include: subscriptions to the Society’s Newsletters, access to the
research center, invitations to events, and the opportunity to submit articles for publication in the newsletter.
Major Partner History House Association, Inc. welcomes patrons, families, and friends of History House who wish to support
financially the Association’s efforts at a higher level. This level of support allows the Association to fast track projects that
dramatically affect programming that preserves, protects, and promotes our heritage. Partnership benefits may include: Partnership
Plaque- honoring the donor; Preferred Partner Brochure Rack; Recognition on all Donor Lists, subscriptions to History House Society
Newsletter; and an opportunity for a private tour with the Curator and/or Master Gardener.
In Memoriam Families, family members, or friends may make memorial donations to the
Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center in honor of their loved one.
Memorial donations will be respectfully recorded in the Skowhegan History House Museum
& Research Center Memorial Giving Registry and maintained for public review at the History
House as well as published on all Donor listings.
Remembrance Remembrance donations may be arranged through the deceased’s obituary
notice. Donations may be sent in the decease’s memory to the Skowhegan History House
Museum & Research Center, P.O. 832, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.
Annual Appeal Society members and friends of the Skowhegan History House Museum
Early foot warmer used on sleighs and
taken to church to warm the pews.
& Research Center can make tax deductible contributions to the Annual Appeal. Donations advance the goals and mission,
programming, general operations, and endowment activities. Although Annual Appeal gifts are usually made within a few weeks of
the appeal event, gifts in any amount may be made throughout the year. Such gifts may honor loved ones on birthdays, anniversaries,
holidays, etc. Acknowledgments will be promptly mailed to donors and listed in all donor listings.
Stocks, Bonds, or Tangible Property Donation of stocks, bonds, or securities is an important and useful way of supporting
the History House Association Inc. - Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center. If you are interested in making a
donation of this type, please contact your broker and ask them to arrange the transaction. Donations of real estate or other personal
property are also welcome.
Bequests and Trusts Donors are encouraged to make charitable donations to the History House Association Inc. -Skowhegan
History House Museum & Research Center in the form of a bequest in a will, the establishment of a trust, or other financial
arrangements. Such gifts are structured to support the goals and mission of the
Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center while assuring the security of the
donor or the donor’s family. Those interested in arranging a bequest or trust should make
such arrangements through their attorney.
Historic Items Those interested in donating items to the Skowhegan History House
Museum & Research Center should contact the Curator to discuss the proposed donation
and its relevance to the existing collections at the History House. Skowhegan History
House Museum & Research Center cannot appraise donated items. Donors should
consult an independent appraiser.
“Preserving and Promoting Our Community’s Cultural Heritage” Somerset Hospital, Elm Street
Page 10 Historic Home Registry Program
Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center is now offering an opportunity for residents of
Skowhegan with homes at least 100 years old to participate in its Historic Home Registry Program. The
program provides an opportunity for the owner of a home that is at least one hundred years old to document the
home’s age, register it in the Historic Home Registry, and to display an
approved house marker indicating the original homesteader, the year of
construction, and the owner’s affiliation with the Skowhegan History House
Historic Home Registry Program.
The process includes providing evidence of the deeds of the various
owners of the property dating back to the original construction date and
original homesteader. Participants may do the research themselves, or a
representative of History House will conduct the research for a minimal fee.
Skowhegan History House Museum &
Once the “Chain of Deeds” is certified, a copy of the original deed, the
Research Center Historic Home Marker
“Chain of Deeds,” and all other related photos and documents provided by
the participant will be filed at the Museum & Research Center.
Certified owners will be offered the opportunity to order an approved house marker to affix to the
historic property. The markers are hand painted by a Farmington artisan who works with similar programs
across New England.
Skowhegan has numerous old homes dating well before 1900 that have interesting histories and are of
importance and significance to our community’s history. It is the hope of the Trustees of the Skowhegan
History House Museum & Research Center that owners of properties dating back 100 years or more will share
their historic record with other community members so we all will have a better sense of our town’s
architectural heritage.
Further information can be found under “Programs” on our website: www.skowheganhistoryhouse.org.
Skowhegan History House Membership Benefits
™ Recognition as an interested supporter of
the preservation and promotion of our
heritage.
™ Spring & Fall Newsletters
™ Access to historical research
™ Opportunity to submit articles for publication
in the Society Newsletter
™ Invitation to upcoming events
™ Consultation with the Curator and/or
Master Gardener
Skowhegan History House Society Membership Form
Please Print
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________
City/Town: _________________ State: __________________Zip Code: ____________
E-mail Address (Optional): ________________________________________________
Circle relevant Annual Membership Category or Lifetime:
Student/Senior (65+) $15
Individual (1 Person) $25
Family $50
Business $100
Benefactor $150
Lifetime (2 Individuals) $300
Checks payable to: Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center, P. O. Box 832, Skowhegan,
Maine 04976 Credit cards may be used online at skowheganhistoryhouse.org. Use donate button and
include explanation.
“Preserving and Promoting Our Community’s Cultural Heritage” Page 11 Cemetery Monument Cleaning Project
As we begin to “Celebrate the Coburn Legacy,” Curator
Lee Granville and Trustee Ruth Blood are working with the
Skowhegan Cemetery Committee to clean the monuments in
the Coburn and Miller lots in the Southside Cemetery. The
Coburn lot contains three generations-- Gov. Abner Coburn,
his parents and grandparents. The individual tablets and the tall
spire monument rise above the other grave sites with dignity
and grace clearly signifying that those that rest beneath were
prominent citizens in this fair community. They were designed
and carved by Edwin W. Marble at the Marble Shop at the
corner of Madison and High Streets around 1881 for $4200.
Today’s pricing would be well over
$100.000. Elaborate granite curbing surrounds the Coburn lot.
A small but dedicated group has started the process of cleaning these stones. In an
effort to continue the process of cleaning all of the monuments in both lots, the
Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center will sponsor several
demonstration sessions on how to properly clean monument stones next spring. Fund
raising for professional cleaning of the spire monument and the granite curbing is underway. For further
information contact Ruth Blood at rfb@usa.net or Lee Granville at leegranville@skowheganhistoryhouse.org.
Donations for this project may be sent to Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center-- Cemetery
Project,
P. O. Box 832, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 or electronically through PayPal on our website:
www.skowheganhistoryhouse.org.
Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center
P. O. Box 832
Skowhegan, Maine 04976
75th Anniversary
“Preserving and Promoting Our Community’s Cultural Heritage” Page 12