Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA) held its 2013 annual meeting at the historic Governor Smith House in Wiscasset on Saturday, Nov. 16. While the meeting was held amid festivities, the organization carried out the business of electing board of trustees officers for 2014 and appointing one trustee to the board. Revisions to the By-Laws were also approved.

Officers include Ed Kavanagh, president; Merry Fossel, vice president; Christine Hopf-Lovette, secretary; and Bill Brewer, treasurer. Elizabeth Potter returns to the board as a trustee.

As current president, Ed Kavanagh conducted the meeting, offering praise to the members for their donations of time and money that allowed LCHA to complete a large number of repairs to the organization’s three historic sites: Pownalborough Court House in Dresden, the Museum and Old Jail in Wiscasset, and the Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta.

“With these capital improvements behind us, we can concentrate our efforts on other important goals, including an expanded education program,” Kavanagh said. “He explained that this year’s annual appeal contains a request for funds to underwrite the cost of lesson aids for social studies teachers that bring to life local history and incorporate each of LCHA’s sites.

Kavanagh called on the coordinators for each site’s stewardship committee to give a brief review of the year’s activities. The impressive list of accomplishments involved many hours of volunteer time in painting, gardening, leading tours, and making repairs to the buildings. In addition, funds from donations and grants were used for major projects such as painting and installing lightning protection on Pownalborough Court House, reshingling the roof of the Old Jail, replacing gutters on the Jailer’s House, and reshingling the outer walls of Chapman-Hall House.

George Keyes reported on the work of the development committee, which is focusing on a long-term goal of raising funds to hire an executive director for the organization. He also noted that LCHA's field trip to Sturbridge Village last summer was a great success and that a two-day trip to Strawberry Banks in Portsmouth and at least one “day-away with LCHA” trip are planned for 2014. All members are invited to participate.