Maine Forestry Museum looks forward to 2019 as 40th year approaches

By Ron Haines
Maine Forestry Museum board member

RANGELEY — The Maine Forestry Museum’s board is saying Happy New Year as well as many thanks to all its members and volunteers. At the same time, it’s also thanking all the folks in Rangeley, visitors to the museum, the businesses that continue their invaluable support, and area plantations and town of Rangeley for funding the annual Logging Parade.
As the museum gears up for 2019, it’s making plans for its 40th year celebration, which will come in 2020. The organization charter was formed late in 1979, as the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum, but it was in 1980 that it first held activities and events.
Those who have recently visited the museum know that there has been steady and positive growth over the years. The museum is now trying to insure, for future generations, that there will still be a Maine Forestry Museum.
It’s difficult to keep up the museum as the years pass, and the organization’s board encourages area residents consider that their time, talent and other support is vitally important as the museum forges ahead and maintains its position as a major asset to the community.
One highlight of 2018 was presentation of a lifetime membership to Mike Koob for all his support of the museum. Koob said you will be able to see this plaque displayed at his new establishment, the Portage Tap House in Oquossoc.
While everyone can’t make the kind of commitment Mike has, probably the simplest, but most important to the museum, thing area residents can do is to visit it this year and see the effort and good work that is happening at the museum.
The day after the annual open house, on Tuesday June 18, hours for the summer will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The community calendar and museum website, maineforestrymuseum.org, will have details of all our hours and activities for 2019.

PHOTO: Mark Beauregard, the Maine Forestry Museum president, shows off the plaque that was presented to Mike Koob honoring his many years of support for the museum with a lifetime membership. The certificate for the membership was presented this past summer at the Logging Festival’s opening ceremonies. (Ron Haines photo)