A group of volunteers and trustees gathered at the Boothbay Region Historical Society April 25 to thank local historian and curator Barbara Rumsey for more than 25 years of service to the society.

Having begun as a volunteer in 1985, Barbara soon became engrossed in local history and research. As the society’s director, she oversaw and built up the museum’s archives and artifacts, handled society business, helped people with their inquiries, conducted research for her own books and articles, and served as the voice of local history throughout the region.

Today, with new director Betsy Spekke on board, Barbara has returned to solely maintaining the archives, writing and conducting research.

In honor of her dedication, Barbara’s favorite room at the museum has been renamed the Barbara S. Rumsey Reference Room.

Barbara thanked the group, saying, “If people were bound and determined to do such a thing, it's a good thing they did it when I still had most of my wits about me!

“It was a wonderful moment to look around the room and see so many beaming faces that have done so much for me and the society over the years."