Coronavirus & Upcoming Events 2020
Dear BHHS Members and Friends,
You may have been wondering about the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society’s response to the Coronavirus. BHHS's priority is to do our part to help reduce the spread of coronavirus and keep our community safe by helping to “flatten the curve”, as medical experts advise. Here is how we plan to proceed:
This is a critical moment to support each other and collectively provide leadership to the community. We have an opportunity, through our personal and institutional actions, to directly impact how the coronavirus situation plays out.
Thank you again for your interest, support, and the actions you are taking to contain the coronavirus.
Sincerely,
Jan Hill, President
You may have been wondering about the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society’s response to the Coronavirus. BHHS's priority is to do our part to help reduce the spread of coronavirus and keep our community safe by helping to “flatten the curve”, as medical experts advise. Here is how we plan to proceed:
- We are suspending our public activities—Our library and museum will not open in April as planned this year. Monthly public education programs previously planned (“Slavery in Maine” - April 21 and “The Lost Art of the May Basket Workshop”, April 30) are being postponed—We are targeting May 1 as our reevaluation date to adjust our plans going forward as appropriate. BHHS will be poised to resume public activities as soon as it is prudent.
- This, the Bicentennial year, is an exciting year for Maine! We will be prepared to reschedule all Centennial, Bicentennial, and anniversary programs as soon as it is safe to do so — whether that turns out to be late spring, summer, or this fall.
- BHHS volunteers will continue to work. As always, research requests can be submitted by email. Special projects will continue as volunteers choose, according to their best judgment and professional medical guidance.
This is a critical moment to support each other and collectively provide leadership to the community. We have an opportunity, through our personal and institutional actions, to directly impact how the coronavirus situation plays out.
Thank you again for your interest, support, and the actions you are taking to contain the coronavirus.
Sincerely,
Jan Hill, President
Tuesday, May 19, 7 P. M.: “Helping the Honeybee Heroes of our Planet” – Join Master Beekeeper, Larry Peiffer, for a PowerPoint presentation as he discusses honey bees and their crucial roll in pollination and providing products of the hive. Did you know that one in three bites of food that we eat comes from bee pollination? No bees... no fruits, nuts or vegetables! Spreading knowledge about the importance of bees to ecosystems and our daily lives, reducing the use of harmful pesticides, learning about the habits and needs of honey bees and other bee species, and considering those needs as you plan your gardens and outdoor spaces will help work toward positive coexistence with these industrious super pollinators. Larry has been giving beekeeping presentations all over Southern Maine and parts of New Hampshire for the past 15 years. He is a past President of the York County Beekeepers Association and teaches all of the Bee Schools for York County Extension Service. BHHS History Center- *100 Main St., Bar Mills. Refreshments served. Suggested donations: $10, Seniors $8.
Tuesday, June 23, 7 P. M.: “A Midwife’s Tale” – Join us for popcorn, as we watch the PBS American Experience docudrama adaptation of Laurel Ulrich's Pulitzer-winning book based on thousands of entries in the journal of Martha Ballard, a Maine midwife and healer, as she traveled by horse or canoe around the Massachusetts frontier for over 27 years, writing in her diary daily, in what is today the state of Maine in the late 1700's and early 1800's. Her thousands of entries have provided historians with invaluable insight into frontier-women's lives in this dramatic exploration of a woman who lived through the economic boom and bust and political social turmoil of the decade following the American Revolution. Producer Laurie Kahn-Leavitt. BHHS History Center- *100 Main St., Bar Mills. Refreshments served. Suggested donations: $10, Seniors $8.
Tuesday, July 21, 7 P. M.: "The Great Turn-Out of 1841: Factory Girls and Maine’s First Labor Strike" – Join Elizabeth DeWolfe, Ph.D, who will present this little-known tale of ordinary women mill workers who took extraordinary measures to demand just treatment. In 1841, nearly 500 female factory workers walked out of the male dominated hierarchy prevalent at Saco’s York Manufacturing Company (and in the culture at large), bringing the mills to a halt for three+ days as they made their demand for fair wages, fair rules, and better housing. In this illustrated talk, she will explore the life of New England “factory girls,” the opportunities mill work brought, and the challenges of this difficult labor. De Wolfe will examine this event in one Maine town as it plays right into national agitation for women’s rights and the growing push for suffrage in Maine and beyond. Elizabeth DeWolfe, Ph.D. is Professor of History at the University of New England where she is co-founder of Women’s and Gender Studies. She has received several outstanding book awards from the New England Historical Association, the New England Popular Culture Association, and the Communal Studies Association, among others. *BHHS History Center, 100 Main St., Bar Mills. Refreshments served. *Suggested donations: $10, Seniors $8.
Saturday, August 8, 9 A. M.: Hollis “Pirate Fest” – We will have a table again this year at this enjoyable Hollis celebration! Hope to see you there!
Saturday, August 15, 11 A. M.: BHHS will participate in Buxton’s Town Parade. The theme celebrating the state’s 200th birthday recognizes Maine becoming a state in 1820. The parade will start at 11 A.M. on River Road. Individuals, units, civic groups, and floats can register now by contacting the Town of Buxton Parade Committee, 185 Portland Road, Buxton, Maine 04093-6532. Call John Myers at 929-6171, email [email protected]. Or visit the Buxton Town Office to pick up your parade registration form! Please NOTE: At 12:30, after the parade, a BBQ will be held in the charming period barn of Burt & Barbara Pease overlooking the beautiful Saco River. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages provided. Please R.S.V.P. 831-9356 and bring a side dish to share. Donations always welcome to support BHHS capital improvements. We hope to see you there!
September 26, 4 P. M.: Harvest Fest “Spirit Walk” Cemetery Tour & Royal Brewster Barn Reception – Meet notable spirits whose earthly remains are interred at the South Buxton Cemetery. Then, join us in the uniquely decorated Royal Brewster Barn for festive fall refreshments while listening to music from the Phantom of the Opera. Be watching for more info to follow. Donations benefit BHHS capital improvements.
October 13, 7 P. M.: “People, Politics, and Intrigues that Led to Maine Statehood”: In this Maine’s Bi-Centennial year, we examine the many behind-the-scene issues and political machinations beyond conventional facts that led to Maine statehood in 1820. Some of these include wars, religion, and the conviction held by many that Maine would become larger and more prosperous than Massachusetts. Little did the founders know how technology would change life in the years to come! Brenton Hill, local historian, student of history, and past president of the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society (2000-2010) will present this informative PowerPoint presentation and discussion. BHHS History Center, 100 main St., Bar Mills. *Refreshments served. *Suggested donations: $10, Seniors $8.
Saturday, November 7, 5 P. M.: Join members and friends celebrating the 50th Anniversary of BHHS with James D. Libby, Ph.D. as he presents “A Look at Hollis and Buxton During the Height of the Postcard Era, 1895-1935”, during which we will view, identify and discuss fascinating early postcard images of our two Towns. This program will follow a brief business meeting and delicious potluck supper. An avid historic postcard collector, Jim Libby is a member of the faculty at Thomas College, and a visiting faculty member at Colby College. He has written four books, including a Postcard History Series publication entitled “Buxton”, along with several newspaper contributions and guest editorials. Jim served two terms as Maine State Senator, and as a two-term State Representative, serving in the Maine Legislature from 1992-2000. Registration for the evening begins at 5 P.M. as hors d’oeuvres are served. To reserve your seat at the dinner table and to let us know your potluck contribution, please R.S.V.P. Berty Ramsdell at 929-4592. BHHS History Center, 100 Main St., Bar Mills. *Suggested donations: $10, Seniors $8.
Tuesday, June 23, 7 P. M.: “A Midwife’s Tale” – Join us for popcorn, as we watch the PBS American Experience docudrama adaptation of Laurel Ulrich's Pulitzer-winning book based on thousands of entries in the journal of Martha Ballard, a Maine midwife and healer, as she traveled by horse or canoe around the Massachusetts frontier for over 27 years, writing in her diary daily, in what is today the state of Maine in the late 1700's and early 1800's. Her thousands of entries have provided historians with invaluable insight into frontier-women's lives in this dramatic exploration of a woman who lived through the economic boom and bust and political social turmoil of the decade following the American Revolution. Producer Laurie Kahn-Leavitt. BHHS History Center- *100 Main St., Bar Mills. Refreshments served. Suggested donations: $10, Seniors $8.
Tuesday, July 21, 7 P. M.: "The Great Turn-Out of 1841: Factory Girls and Maine’s First Labor Strike" – Join Elizabeth DeWolfe, Ph.D, who will present this little-known tale of ordinary women mill workers who took extraordinary measures to demand just treatment. In 1841, nearly 500 female factory workers walked out of the male dominated hierarchy prevalent at Saco’s York Manufacturing Company (and in the culture at large), bringing the mills to a halt for three+ days as they made their demand for fair wages, fair rules, and better housing. In this illustrated talk, she will explore the life of New England “factory girls,” the opportunities mill work brought, and the challenges of this difficult labor. De Wolfe will examine this event in one Maine town as it plays right into national agitation for women’s rights and the growing push for suffrage in Maine and beyond. Elizabeth DeWolfe, Ph.D. is Professor of History at the University of New England where she is co-founder of Women’s and Gender Studies. She has received several outstanding book awards from the New England Historical Association, the New England Popular Culture Association, and the Communal Studies Association, among others. *BHHS History Center, 100 Main St., Bar Mills. Refreshments served. *Suggested donations: $10, Seniors $8.
Saturday, August 8, 9 A. M.: Hollis “Pirate Fest” – We will have a table again this year at this enjoyable Hollis celebration! Hope to see you there!
Saturday, August 15, 11 A. M.: BHHS will participate in Buxton’s Town Parade. The theme celebrating the state’s 200th birthday recognizes Maine becoming a state in 1820. The parade will start at 11 A.M. on River Road. Individuals, units, civic groups, and floats can register now by contacting the Town of Buxton Parade Committee, 185 Portland Road, Buxton, Maine 04093-6532. Call John Myers at 929-6171, email [email protected]. Or visit the Buxton Town Office to pick up your parade registration form! Please NOTE: At 12:30, after the parade, a BBQ will be held in the charming period barn of Burt & Barbara Pease overlooking the beautiful Saco River. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages provided. Please R.S.V.P. 831-9356 and bring a side dish to share. Donations always welcome to support BHHS capital improvements. We hope to see you there!
September 26, 4 P. M.: Harvest Fest “Spirit Walk” Cemetery Tour & Royal Brewster Barn Reception – Meet notable spirits whose earthly remains are interred at the South Buxton Cemetery. Then, join us in the uniquely decorated Royal Brewster Barn for festive fall refreshments while listening to music from the Phantom of the Opera. Be watching for more info to follow. Donations benefit BHHS capital improvements.
October 13, 7 P. M.: “People, Politics, and Intrigues that Led to Maine Statehood”: In this Maine’s Bi-Centennial year, we examine the many behind-the-scene issues and political machinations beyond conventional facts that led to Maine statehood in 1820. Some of these include wars, religion, and the conviction held by many that Maine would become larger and more prosperous than Massachusetts. Little did the founders know how technology would change life in the years to come! Brenton Hill, local historian, student of history, and past president of the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society (2000-2010) will present this informative PowerPoint presentation and discussion. BHHS History Center, 100 main St., Bar Mills. *Refreshments served. *Suggested donations: $10, Seniors $8.
Saturday, November 7, 5 P. M.: Join members and friends celebrating the 50th Anniversary of BHHS with James D. Libby, Ph.D. as he presents “A Look at Hollis and Buxton During the Height of the Postcard Era, 1895-1935”, during which we will view, identify and discuss fascinating early postcard images of our two Towns. This program will follow a brief business meeting and delicious potluck supper. An avid historic postcard collector, Jim Libby is a member of the faculty at Thomas College, and a visiting faculty member at Colby College. He has written four books, including a Postcard History Series publication entitled “Buxton”, along with several newspaper contributions and guest editorials. Jim served two terms as Maine State Senator, and as a two-term State Representative, serving in the Maine Legislature from 1992-2000. Registration for the evening begins at 5 P.M. as hors d’oeuvres are served. To reserve your seat at the dinner table and to let us know your potluck contribution, please R.S.V.P. Berty Ramsdell at 929-4592. BHHS History Center, 100 Main St., Bar Mills. *Suggested donations: $10, Seniors $8.
** Please note that suggested donations are used to support on-going capital improvements to our
Buxton-Hollis Historical Society history center building. THANK-YOU for your support!!!
Buxton-Hollis Historical Society history center building. THANK-YOU for your support!!!