The Society enjoyed another active year (our 53rd) despite the fact that volunteers and operating funds were scarce. The Museum was open three days a week and provided information to local and out-of-state and foreign visitors. Geneological files at the Museum were the most popular resource for the majority of these visitors.

Evelyn Lamb, Ann Macdonald, and Margaret Reimer were docents at the Museum. Narramissic continued its educational programs during the year. Accolades go to the Board of Trustee members: Brandon Woolley, Evelyn Lamb, Ann Macdonald, Heidi Harmon, Barbara MacLean, Mary E. Shorey, Margaret Reimer, and Priscilla Whiting, and members Ned Allen and Sue Black for their work and devotion. Help from Carmen Lone, now in charge of the Community Center, is noteworthy. She and Ned Allen have planned programs that are collaborative efforts between the Society and Center.

Upkeep and repairs were on-going this year. During the summer, some of the Trustees have been involved in upkeep of Narramissic. Evelyn Lamb has dedicated much of her free time to chores around the property. Several of the ladies on the Board also spent time working on the gardens. Brandon Woolley mowed the lawns around the house, but mowing the fields became a problem. Heidi Harmon's family mowed the entire grounds in early fall.

Events of the Year:

The first event of 2006 was an Open House at the Museum during Winter Carnival with Society members providing refreshments so visitors could enjoy the hospitality and keep warm, as well as view the exhibits.

The year again saw varied historical events and programs at Narramissic. A Boy Scout Jamboree was held shortly after the last annual meeting with Scouts spending an overnight, participating in demonstrations, and making visits to the house.

The Society sold food during the 4th of July fireworks display at the Stevens Brook Elementary School. The burger and hot dog sale is becoming an annual event, with Brandon Woolley once again manning the grill. This year cookies and brownies were also available that added to our profits.

Always popular, the Woodworkers and Artisans Show was the first event at Narramissic in July. There was an enthusiastic attendance of 300 at the show. For a second year, refreshments included Brandon's popular beanhole beans, which were the specialty of the day. Special thanks to Brandon for staying awake tending the fires and the beans throughout the night before the show.

August brought several workshops to Narramissic. Sue Black conducted both the Rughooker's program in early August, and the Spinners and Weavers workshop on August 13th. Kapristo Mt. Rustic Garden Trellis and Kapristo Mt. Early Arm Chair workshops completed the summer schedule at Narramissic.

A photo identification session was held at the museum with good results, but many unidentified pictures remain. As we examine old photos we are reminded to date and label all our own photos. If you wish to donate photos to the Society, please remember to label and date them, if possible.

The Trustees organized and held a very successful Yard Sale on August 5th outside the Museum on Gibbs Avenue. This was a good fund-raiser and plans are being made for another sale next summer. We are asking members to save your extras for the next sale.

Plans are on the drawing board for programs for the upcoming year. If you have any ideas or suggestions, let it be known by writing the Bridgton Historical Society, P.O. Box 44, Bridgton, ME 04009, by e-mail to info@bridgtonhistory.org, or by leaving a voice mail message on the Museum phone at 207-647-3699. Also, let us know what exhibits you would like to see at the Museum and we dill do our best to accomodate you. We need your input AND your volunteer help!

The Museum will be open during the winter on Tuesdays with Margaret Reimer, and on Saturdays with Evelyn Lamb.