Last week our program speakers were Kay Wilder and Connie Hartley of the Boothbay Region Historical Society (BRHS). Kay reviewed that the mission of the BRHS is to collect, preserve, and promote interest in the history of the Boothbay region through research, exhibits, and programs. The society is a non-profit membership 501(c)(3) organization.

The BRHS was founded in 1967 by local interested residents and then in 1984, it moved to its present location at the Elizabeth F. Reed house and its grounds, Fullerton Park. Originally it was called the “Monday Club” and had multiple programs, speakers, poets and even covered political issues for a while. In 1984 the society was given and moved into the Reed House.

BRHS has traditionally represented the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and to some extent Southport. Today, Southport is also well represented with its own museum. In addition to ongoing exhibits and collections of artifacts, photographs, and historical and genealogical documents, the society offers programs of local interest throughout the year. The society maintains an extensive archive of primary and secondary materials to help visitors and researchers explore their fields of interest. In addition, the society is a museum with a large collection of artifacts of local historical importance.

The BRHS is governed by a volunteer board of trustees assisted by administrative staff and other volunteers. The society’s mission is financially supported by membership dues, donations, and fundraising events. Barbara Rumsey, a volunteer from the 1980s, became a talented curator and director creating catalogue systems and the beginnings of the current system.

Connie then reviewed the outreach aspects of the BRHS. She reminded us that if you have not ever visited the society it needs to be high on your list of must do’s and admission is free! They will be celebrating their 60th anniversary next year. Currently they have an exhibit that connects our nation’s 250-year celebration looking at Boothbay Harbor and US Navy history. Their “Footbridge” celebration is upcoming as well as the “Holiday Open House” with decorations, raffles and much energizing fun!

President Jim Herbold led our meeting in which Laurie Zimmeli and Barb Thornton once again provided an update on Rotary Barn donations and sales. As fall donations have been especially generous we invited Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore to share in the bounty of furniture & building supplies.

This Thursday we look forward to a spellbinding program about Boothbay Harbor ghosts by Cheryl Reif from American Ghost Walks. Some members of the Interact Club will be joining us too. Come one and come all! It's going to be a fun, spooky evening. We’ll need to set up a few more tables. Come early, around 4:30 to do a bit of decorating and table wrangling.

Then, on Saturday the 31st, Halloween, we're meeting living, breathing ghosts and goblins at the Boothbay Railway Village Spooktacular from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We're setting up a table, greeting our neighbors and bribing the ghosts and goblins with candy. Contact Conxa if you can help. It will be a fun time. Then, Irene is meeting more ghosts and goblins at the Trunk or Treat at the Opera House – the final stop on the annual Halloween Parade. Let Irene know if you want to be amazed and spooked by all the costumes and Halloween spirit.

The Rotary Barn is still open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. The official closing for the season is Dec. 12, barring a big storm or power outage.

Interested in the work and fun of Rotary? Join us every Thursday at our clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor at 6 p.m. for dinner and a program. You'll be glad you did.