Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-02-01
Local Historical Societies.
Editors of the KenaeJec Journal:

Editors of the Heanebec Journal.
That particular form of public spirit
which takes shape in a desire to preserve
the history, memorials and antiquities Of
ones own State, city or localityis one of the
most commendable in which intelligent pao-
pie can be engaged. But for the few spec
ialists in every age who possess a laudable
degree of this spirit and tressu upth dates,
facts. recoilections. documents and other
materials of history, it would be impos
sible for history to be written, land the en-
tire past would be meaningless blank to
every diligeut inquirer into the acts and
lives of our ancestors. While this is un-
disputed,i it must be q source Of qualification
to all intelligent readers IF the leading jour-
nails of the day to observe evidences of the
growth of this spirit throughout the land.
Within week the papers have informed
US that sit is proposed to organize Gro
ton Mass Historical Society for
the purpose of collecting and preser7-
ing everything connected with the
history of that ancient town" and that in
Haverhill, Mass a movement is taking
place to establish "a historical society and
museum in that city, so rich in historic as
sociations, similar to those in nearly all the
older communities of New England
Fortunately, Augusta, one of the cities
rich in historic associations, in fact, so dis
tinctive in this respect that few towns 10
New England have more interesting past,
has society the objects of which are to
cultivate and intensity the historic spirit; to
develop a pride in our beautiful city,
and in its past and present condi-
ton and history; as well as to
bring together and preserve for all the
future, the objects, materials, facts, events,
dates and recolactions pertaining in any
way to its civil history, or to the men and
women who have been identified with its
history and progress. This society is regu-
larly incorporated, and in the three years of
its existence has accomplished very credit
able work in the collection of those ma
terials of which history is composed. Its
library shelves and cabinet cases already
contain rich and interesting display of
old documents, coins, pamphlets,
Indian Antiquities and relics, objects OF
historic interest, antique musical instru
r,ents and articles of domestic and house
hold use showing the ways and methods of
life among our ancestors. There must be
in the families of many Of our old residents
like to be the custodian; and it makes an
appeal to all who are interested in its work,
for assistance in this matter and for doDa-
tions of such articles ard objects as it is
its purpose to collect and preserve for pub
lie use and pleasure in all the future.
1t especially desires loans and gifts
of old books, deeds, documents,
family records, diaries, newspapers, pamph-
lets, portraits etc, relating to our cry, to
kennebec county, or the State at large. 1t
is anxious to possess copy of every book,
ne Sspaper or pamphlet printed in or relat-
ing to Kennebec county. 1t wants portraits
of all the mayors of Augusta, Hallowell,
Gardiner and Watervile, as well as portraits
oc the leading citizens of the county ard
State Itwants old deeds ancient documents.
III bps plans ard views relating to any part of
ne State, but especially to our own city.
the sister cities of kennebec county and
central Maine. The Kennebec Historl ,al
S 1ciety hopes, by making known its objects
aud wants in this way, that its membership
may be increased, the numbers of its frlencs
largely multiplied and its library and mn-
scum considerably augmented during the
present year. 1t has under contemplation
the publication of its collection and pro-
ceedings, in a volume to contain an account
of the formation Of the society, a list of its
members, catalogue of its collect ms and
many of the papers that have been read at
its meetings.
One interesting feature of the work OF
this society is its monthly meetings a. which
valuable papers are real and lectures pre-
sented At its next meeting on Tuesday
evening, February 9Th, lecture is to be
given on 1.-THE Spectroscope and Some of
Its Applications by Prof. C. c. Hutchins
Of Bowdoin College; AID at the March
meeting paper will be read by f. Q. Par
ington, Esq, OF Mechanic Falls, on "The
Indians of the An1roscoggin." These are
free to members and full attendance is