March 2024                                                                                                                                                    

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Dear Chebeague Island Community,                                                                                                                                                                                

As we look forward to spring on the island,  the Chebeague Island Historical Society (CIHS) is filled with gratitude for the collective support of the community and to all those who have contributed to our success.  It has been 40 years since our founders began their work to make CIHS what it is today. Now we are at a time of transition and excitement for the future.       

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Last fall our community-wide survey provided CIHS insight on our past, and current efforts along with suggestions for the future of the organization. We received 190 responses with recommendations for exhibits and programs, increasing our value to the community.       

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Half of the respondents were seasonal residents, over a third were year-round residents and close to twenty percent were frequent visitors or guests of families on the island. There was a strong response from the younger generations with enthusiastic suggestions for us to consider.         

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The community endorsed the popularity of the Ellsworth Miller Lecture Series and shared its appreciation for the Sloop’s Log. We heard many ideas for programs ranging from fishing and boat building, to climate change and the influence of environmental factors on the development of the island over the last few centuries. There were specific suggestions for youth programs and stronger connections to school age children, both year-round and summer.  We are thrilled with the enthusiasm, feedback and ideas! -- Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey and for your willingness to provide honest and constructive feedback. More details of the survey can be found by following this  ~LINK~

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Dxek5tXDcRJf9-nV8jU0xQ22IHi1sa2rFIU9QGZDmAA/edit?usp=sharing

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Looking forward, we are eager to embrace the possibilities that 2024 holds. We are in the process of building a new exhibit that opens in July.  We will be bringing back the popular House Tour on August 13th. And, a summer celebration is in the works to recognize Donna Damon as she steps back from her curator position and to thank her for the many years of service and devotion to the CIHS.                

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We will be working on our website and updating our technology for the community and members. Our museum shop will be full of interesting items and fabulous gifts.            

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All of these are exciting opportunities for CIHS.  We look forward to working with all the island residents and visitors and we are poised to step forward on this journey with your support.    

 

Sincerely,                              

 

Beth McNulty, President