With under 10,000 year-round residents, the Boothbay region is home to over 50 nonprofits that serve their peninsula and beyond. In the spirit of #GivingTuesday, a national holiday for philanthropic giving set for Dec. 2, the effort has been dubbed #BoothbayTreasures, to express both how the community treasures the work they do and how the nonprofits treasure their local supporters.

The entire #BoothbayTreasures movement is meant to spotlight some of the important work being done by your neighbors. We hope you will learn something new about the many community and business services, health and wellness resources, nature and science organizations, and cultural institutions in the region; and perhaps you will be inspired to give back to one (or more!) of these nonprofits on #GivingTuesday.

This week, we share with you the participating nonprofits that have a focus in promoting history, culture and the arts in the Boothbay region.

The Boothbay Railway Village, established in 1965, has a staff of 6 full-time, year-round employees, but grows to about 20 staff members during their busy season. The Boothbay Railway Village is an educational, historical and cultural museum located on 30 acres in Boothbay. Their mission is to collect, preserve and demonstrate railroading, antique automobiles and small town rural life, with an emphasis on Maine between 1850 and 1950. Visit www.railwayvillage.org to learn more about the Boothbay Railway Village.

Founded in 1967, the Boothbay Region Historical Society works to promote interest in the history of the Boothbay region and to preserve the region's history. Much of this work is supported by volunteers and is shared with the community through newspaper contributions, newsletters, exhibits and events. They also assist local residents by acting as a research facility. Find out more at www.boothbayhistorical.org.

The Cuckolds Inn and Lighthouse began as a restoration in 2004. With the dedication of several volunteers, the doors of the historic lighthouse opened in 2014. The Cuckolds act as a historic, educational and recreational facility in which people can experience and learn about the region’s rich maritime traditions and ties to the sea. Learn more at www.innatcuckoldslighthouse.com.

Since 1980, the Lincoln Arts Festival has worked to preserve, support and make available to the Boothbay region performing, visual and applied arts and humanities. With a staff of only one, it has many volunteer opportunities to assist with programming, which includes music, poetry, storytelling, humorists and fine art. Go to www.lincolnartsfestival.net for more.

The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor is a community arts center dedicated to the presentation of quality programs and the preservation of a historic building for the enrichment of the community. Since 2003, they have been working to bring year-round scheduling to the area, ranging from local to international performing artists. The 120 year-old building is also made available to community members and organizations for various private and public events. Visit www.boothbayoperahouse.com for more.

To find out more on the #BoothbayTreasures initiative, visit Boothbay Treasures on Facebook or on www.boothbayregister.com. This Dec. 2, we encourage you to celebrate the National Day of Giving, #GivingTuesday, by giving back to a local nonprofit. For more information on #GivingTuesday, go to www.givingtuesday.org.