Since 1999, Edgecomb Historical Society’s focus has been on the past, but now, it’s on the future. The society is struggling with fiscal and physical challenges. Membership is down significantly since the pandemic hit and the organization has never had a physical structure for storing historic artifacts. On Oct. 14, the society held an open forum seeking ideas for revitalizing the organization. 

President Deborah Eaton fears if the club’s fortunes didn’t change soon then it would cease to exist. “We are at risk of losing our historical society because of a lack of a physical location, fiscal support, new members and volunteers. All common denoninators common to all historical societies, and almost every town in Maine are facing the same challenges,” she said.

For years, two members were synonymous with the historical society. But Ros Strong and Sue Carlson both died in the past year. Eaton called them “Heroes of the historical society.” Now the society is trying to recover from losing two key members and a declining membership. About a dozen concerned citizens attended the hour-plus long forum. The society sought the public’s input in reaching a goal of becoming a viable entity.  

The society has collected artifacts over the past two decades, but doesn’t have a central storage location. Instead, the relics are stored at people’s homes and property. But this is a tenuous situation. If an unexpected life event occurs, the society doesn’t have custody of the artifacts and risks losing them. 

“They are fine now, but it’s not a good long term situation,” Eaton said. “We need a place to store them which guarantees we maintain ownership. You never know what might happen resulting in us losing custody of them.” 

One member suggested buying a container for storing all of the artifacts. A member estimated a large container would cost $2,500. But that solution resulted in another problem: Where to house the storage container? The Society previously sought a location near the town hall cemetery lot. 

Member Dave Boucher recalled the Society approached the town about using the location without success. “We approached them before, but we didn’t have our ducks in a row. They were afraid it would end up being a half-finished project,” he said. 

Eaton also urged citizens to participate in the virtual town forum on Oct. 25 to promote the historical society’s cause. The board of directors hopes more town support may lead to a better result for the society. “We need to let them know without town assistance then the historical society may end. More volunteers are needed to bring back our vibrancy and lead to more fundraising and event planning,” Eaton said. 

Member Jack Brennan is also the town’s budget committee chairman. He recommended they focus on a project which could qualify for a Hammond Fund grant.  Brennan explained in the past the fund has been used for “town beautification” projects. “It’s been used for cemetery care in the past so there is no question we would qualify, too,” he said. 

The brainstorming session also resulted in ideas for holding a fundraising cocktail party and art auction. At the forum’s end, members decided to focus on three short term goals: A strong presence at the town forum, buying a storage container and a town mailing seeking more members.