Mount Desert Island Historical Society P.O. Box 653 Mt. Desert, ME 04660 (207) 288-3723 (207) 244-7334 1996 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE MEMBERS A Year of Growth and Commitment This past year the Mount Desert Island Historical Society renewed a priority, which the founders set 65 years ago, to be responsive to the historical interests of our entire island community. Our board, our president and our director have committed themselves to protecting the Island's past, particularly in terms of architectural and landscape preservation, in all the nooks and crannys of the island. The MDIHS intends to work with other island community groups in hopes of reaching a wider audience. Collaborative programs are planned with the Great Harbor Collection, the Harbor House Community Center, the Tremont Historical Society and with College of Atlantic's Natural History Museum. Our active involvement in the Island Association of Museums and Historical Societies keeps us in touch with other island institutions and provides a sounding board for fresh ideas. In order to carry out these new goals and continue to advance history and preservation education inside and outside the museum we hired a full-time, year- round director, Jaylene Roths. Members of the Board of Directors committed themselves both financially and personally to the society at a retreat in September. Each member has taken on active fundraising duties, primarily to fund the director's annual salary. Highlights of 1996 The History Museum remained open 5 days a week from June 10th to September 1st. Six volunteers made it possible to offer some weekend hours. Over 1200 visitors viewed the collection. Program attendance grew considerably! Programs were presented on: * genealogy research the use of conservation easements to protect historic properties the history of steamships and the Army Nurse Corps * the history of lighthouses * role playing programs for both children and adults We held our 20th annual Strawberry Festival ! We organized Somesville Day. The benefit auction made a significant contribution to the society's coffers, bringing in $7028.50. A number of brave souls, despite hurricane Bertha, ventured out on the Village Improvement Society's third biannual Historic Walking Tour, chaired by MDIHS vice-president, Richard Allen. We welcomed five new board members, David McGiffert, H. Stanley MacDonald,