The Dead River Historical Society

Dear Citizens of Eustis,

The members of the Dead River Historical Society would like to express to you our sincerest appreciation for your support. It is through this support the Dead River Historical Society has been able to grow and become a valuable resource for the town of Eustis, and all of the State of Maine.

The Dead River Area Historical Society is a non-profit organization, incorporated in the state of Maine in 1979 for the purpose of preserving and promoting interest in the history of the Dead River Area. Artifacts, manuscripts photographs, etc. have been donated or loaned from interested townspeople and descendants of the Dead River Areas. Collections from 1850- with all of the artifacts given from the original families of the Dead River Region. Displays include a collection of old carpentry and logging tools, china, glass, church organ, furniture from native families, a complete schoolroom, a memorial room to the "lost" towns of Flagstaff and Dead River, the lineage of several native families, and a host of memorabilia from native homesteads. Our town preserves a great deal of history and we readily share it.

Money is raised each year by membership, a historical picture calendar and cookbook are printed, a brown bag auction is held at the annual dinner in November, as well as other functions and fundraisers.  Over the years many improvements have been made and greatly enhanced the museum. It is more accessible year-round for schools, and those doing research on Maine History. We have several calls each year from individuals and organizations throughout the state and beyond who are doing research on these areas. The Dead River Area Historical Society builds on the strength of the community and enriches it by serving as a valuable research center for the region and stimulates the local economy. The museum is open every weekend in July and August as well as Labor Day Weekend and year-round by appointment

Many events and fundraisers took place in 2008. Our walk-a-thon and golf tournament are new annual fundraisers. We were successful getting three grants totaling $11,500.00 to put handicap access in the museum. The total cost of the project was $13,170.00 and it took many fund raisers to come up with the rest of the money but with your help we did it. We now have a ramp entering the building and a stairclimber to the second floor balcony exhibits. We featured families and events throughout the summer and plan many more in 2009. One of our goals in 2009 is to get the museum buildling painted.

Every year the rising cost of oil deplets our financies and we are again asking for support from the voters of Eustis to heat the museum thus preserving the artifacts. The Dead River Area Historical Society respectfully request the citizens of the Town of Eustis to vote YES for an appropriation of $3,000.00 to heat your museum. Please be assured that if the cost of heating the museum is less than the appropriation the balance will be returned to the town.

Thank you for considering this request.

Sincerely,

Mary Henderson, President