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KENNEBUNKPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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HISTORIAN, SHARON CUMMINS
Facebook Success
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KENNEBUNKPORT ORAL HISTORY PROJECT |
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HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIPS:
Youth Outreach
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View from the Kennebunkport Historical Society Gift Shop
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KENNEBUNKPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY |
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The Kennebunkport Historical Society is pleased to announce an intergenerational video oral history project designed to capture the history of Kennebunkport by interviewing its oldest citizens.
“We are so excited about this project and what we might be able to accomplish by collecting oral histories and connecting with Kennebunkport’s elders,” stated Kristin Haight, executive director.
The project which launched in September, calls for citizens over 100 years old. Frank Handlen, for example, a beloved local artist and community friend, was 105 at the end of September. Frank was the first person interviewed and he has worked in Kennebunkport since the 1940s when he was a young adult and has lived here since 1969.
October ’s focus is on citizens who are in their 90s. November will seek citizens in their 80s, December: 70s, and so on. We aim to grow our audio-archive collection with this project and include our community youth as well.
If you or someone you know would like to participate in the Oral History Project, please contact Kristin Haight at [email protected]. We are seeking participants as well as volunteers.
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MAKING HISTORY: A SUSTAINABLE HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCE |
Ann Thompson, a studio metalsmith and Teaching Artist in Maine is partnering with the Society to create open air art workshops for young students with history in mind.
Ann will be teaching outside (weather permitting) or inside our art barn with doors wide open, or masked inside our Townhouse School. Students should dress accordingly. Each workshop will be a different creative craft designed to help kids experience historic stories while exploring new ways to express themselves artistically.
Ann has been an adjunct instructor in jewelry and metalwork at Southern Maine Community College and now teaches privately. She enjoys sharing her skills through community art projects and her Teaching Artist practice, Bike Part Art. She has recently launched a new branch of this practice after collaborating with local history museums called, “Making History”. Workshops offered through this site offer hands-on, historically related art experiences which are presented at a number of partner venues.
Ann will lead the educational team during Prelude and offer creative historic hands-on crafts for children outside in open air.
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RSU 21 HIGH SCHOL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
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Kennebunkport Historical Society is excited to be partnering with Kennebunk High School by offering internships designed to attract different skills. With the focus on expanding our outreach to all ages of the community, the high school interns will have more opportunities to create and explore their connection with Kennebunkport and its history.
“Our team is focused on working with HS seniors on projects from creating after school programs for younger students, outreach programs for our senior citizens, increased activities for our members, and more“ offered Kristin Haight, Executive Director, “Including the talents of young people and figuring out how to communicate in new ways will be the focus of this program.
If you know of students who may be interested in our programs, please contact the Society or see our website for internship details. Welcome aboard!
“In addition to the students from RSU21, we welcome any local students who are home-schooled as well as “summer” students who may work on a KHS project virtually” added Kristin, “Kennebunkport is made up of all.”
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RSU 21 HIGH SCHOL
MRS. MOONEY'S ART CLASS PROJECT
Art students in Mrs. Mooney’s class are learning about Kennebunkport history. Each student was assigned a different historic home to photograph and research. The final projects will be on display at White Columns throughout the Prelude event.
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THROWBACK THURSDAYS CONTINUE TO GROW AUDIENCE |
When historian, Sharon Cummins began her weekly Throwback Thursday article on Facebook for the Kennebunkport Historical Society, she had no idea that it would build such a wide readership and have such a strong following. “I just wanted to tell stories. To me, that is why we are here and what we do, “ shared Sharon in a recent conversation.
“When I first arrived at the Society, I marveled at Sharon’s stories and her following,” added KHS executive director, Kristin Haight, “The work Sharon does for the historical society is absolutely the core of what we do; We are the protectors of Kennebunkport history.”
Sharon began working for the Kennebunkport Historical Society in 2001, when the archives were in the Townhouse school. In addition to her weekly article, Sharon is also the primary historian for the Society and continues to provide its members with assistance finding genealogical records, the history of area homes, and is working on the Society’s upcoming driving tour project. Her work over the years has been read on multiple platforms and she continues to find more and more stories to delight her audience which now often tops over 30K per week.
Sharon and a team of volunteers are now piecing together collections of Throwback Thursday stories to publish with the Society. “We feel strongly that her stories belong on coffee tables everywhere!” added Haight.
Stay tuned as this project continues to unfold and until then, follow Kennebunkport Historical Society on Facebook and consider making a donation.
If you are not on Facebook, Sharon’s stories can be found on our website as a blog.
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MID-WEEK MUSIC
AT THE TOWN HOUSE SCHOOL
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Starting over the summer, the Kennebunkport Historical Society welcomed local talent, Dana Pearson and Mark Gunter for monthly mid-week concerts at the beautifully restored Townhouse School.
From “Songs of the 70s” to “Elvis” to “Sinatra” to the upcoming "Original Compositions" on November 17, the duo has played to sold out audiences.
“The public is so ready for something fun to do as a community,” stated Kristin Haight.
The Mid-Week Music concert is a BYOB event. Tickets can be purchased through our website.
A special Christmas Concert on Wednesday, December 8 at 5PM.
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Saturday, November 13 at 10am, Kennebunkport Children’s book author, Jocelyn Lacey will read her timely book, What do Police Officer’s Do?. Inspired by her participation in the Citizen’s Police Academy offered by Johnson City Police Department in her hometown city, Johnson City, TN.
Lacey will read her book, share a related craft with children, and sign copies for sale.
Free for Members, Non-Members suggested donation $5 per child.
Wednesday, November 17 at 7Pm- Mid-Week Music with Dana Pearson and Mark Gunter: featuring songwriter originals Tickets: $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Purchase tickets HERE!
Saturday, November 20 at 1PM Lecture by local author, Katherine Mayfield. “How to write your memoir”. Katherine Mayfield, author of the memoir, “The Box of Daughter” as well as other books will offer tips for writing your own memoir- This lecture will include information on the different aspects of writing memoir – such as theme, “characters,” point of view, and reflection – as well as legal considerations and a brief overview of publishing options. The lecture will include handouts and an opportunity for questions and answers.
Members: $5.00 Suggested donation Non-Members: $8.00
Tuesday, November 30, 7PM “Girls night out” Holiday Wreath Making Workshop with local artist, Lisa Ottman. BYOB event. Create fresh holiday wreaths with style and with friends. Price: $50.
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40TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PRELUDE PLANS IN MOTION
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Kennebunkport celebrates its 40th year of Christmas Prelude this coming December and the Kennebunkport Historical Society is very excited to share in the upcoming festivities.
Details and pricing for all events will be made available on our website after November 1.
Our volunteers are getting excited for the decorating. This year’s theme: MAINE (in honor of anniversary)
Thursday, December 2, at 6PM, join us at our annual Christmas Prelude Gala at the Nott House featuring lite fare and beverages.
VIP Art & History reception: 5PM This sneak peek at Student art as well as an exclusive tour of Louis Norton’s mural of the history of Kennebunkport at private home.
Tours of White Columns will re-open through Prelude:
- Monday through Thursday: 10AM-4PM
- Friday and Saturday: 10AM-8PM
“A Very Special Mid-Week Christmas Concert” with Mark Gunter and Dana Pearson at 135 North St (Townhouse school) Wednesday, December 8, 5PM.
Christmas Stories with Mrs. Claus: 1PM (both Saturdays) at White Columns
Intergenerational Historic arts and crafts: 2-4PM (Both Saturdays) Crafts will take place outside (weather permitting). Please dress appropriately.
Local author reading, lecture, and book signing: (Both Saturdays) 10am-12PM at Townhouse School: 135 North St. Kport
- Diane Lent, author of “The Busy Little Elf”, Saturday, December 4, 10am-12Pm
- Jocelyn Lacey author of “Coral’s first Sleepover” and “Pierre the Peacock”, Saturday, December 11, 10am-12PM
A Nutcracker Tea: Thursday, December 9, 4PM, White Columns
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THANK YOU TO THE MOONEYHAN FOUNDATION |
Special Thanks to Larry and MaryLou Ryan for writing a grant request on behalf of the Society to the Mooneyhan Foundation. The Foundation gifted the Society $15,000.00 for the purpose of expanding our history education in new ways. The Society is honored to have been chosen as a recipient again this year. |
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ART AUCTION AND RAFFLE
DRAWING DECEMBER 11TH
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We are so pleased to share our ongoing art auction: Click HERE!
Thank you to the many local artists for contributing:
Frank Handlen
B.A. (Tony) King
Bob Bryant (Mast Cove Galleries)
Dennis Van Sickle (Studio 12 KPT)
Kristin Haight
Lynne Carr
Northlight Galleries
RAFFLE: 3 TICKETS FOR $20.00
Thank you to all of our Raffle Sponsors! Here is a list of potential prizes!
$30 Squaretoes Gift Card
$100 Carla’s Gift card
$100.00 Arundel Wharf Gift Card
$150 Schooner Eleanor Gift card
$100 Port Lobster Gift Card
$85.00 Sea Bag from Chicks Marina
$50 Breakwater Inn & Spa Gift Card
$25 HappyNest Gift Card with Pottery Mug
$200 Roma Pizza Gift Card: Donated by Mike and Janet Burd
$200 Chez Rosa Gift Card: Donated by Mike and Janet Burd
$50 Bandaloop Gift Card and Kennebunk Savings Bank mug: Donated by KSB
$150 River’s Edge and Spa gift card and hand lotion: Donated by Pam Weyl
Placemats and matching napkins: donated by Luverne Preble
2-hour beginning genealogy lesson: donated by Kristin Haight
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KENNEBUNKPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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