Activities

Tool Collection

When this collection of tools was donated to the Society, donor Glenn Libby had to identify most of them! Dozens of implements used for everything from woodworking to shoemaking (and every task in between) are on display at the Old Grocery Museum. Another display showing more old tools is of interest to visitors at the Society headquarters. Collecting and identifying tools and other old items is part of the ongoing activity at the Society.

World War II

The Society, with the help of the American Legion post in Windham, presented a program in the summer of 2010 at the Windham Veterans Center. Panel participants included Don Rogers, Norma Rogers, Bob Miele, May Lunt, Betty Winslow, Carroll MacDonald, Leonard Sanborn, Bob Pelletier and Fred Collins. American Legion Service officer David Tanguay led the panel discussion about personal experiences during the War. Many who attended brought scrapbooks and memorabilia to the event. Displays included photos of veterans and posters and other items including uniforms, ration books and information about the AWS towers in Windham. The Society maintains an ongoing “Wall of Honor” featuring photos and brief biographies of military men and women from Windham, for all wars.

History in the Schools

The Windham Historical Society's history in the schools program got under way for the 2010-2011 school year, on Sept. 28 when Society member Walter Lunt visited Ingrid Thomas' 3rd grade classroom. Lunt said the young historians had been super-prepped for his talk and slide show presentation, adding "there were so many hands going up and so much discussion that the visit had to be extended by a half hour."

The Society anticipates visiting nine 3rd grade classrooms this school year, each following up with a 3 hour school bus history tour of the town.

An interesting new development in the Society's work with the Primary School involves an additional field trip to the Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill. Lunt, who is a docent at the Observatory, says the former ship communications tower has a fascinating connection with Windham in that its eight 65 ft. corner posts were cut and honed, in 1807, from a white pine forest on Pike's Hill at the corner of Nash Road and Route 302. Several teachers have already expressed interest in adding the Observatory trip to their Windham history units.

Christmas

The annual Old Fashioned Christmas Fair is the result of months of work at home and in a group at the Society. Several members and friends of the Society create unique items for home décor and use and display them in the headquarters and museum room, as the old building is transformed into a wonderland for the holidays. The event is much anticipated and shoppers enjoy music, creative displays and visiting with Society personnel in old-fashioned garb!

High School to Town Hall
1910 - 2010

Windham Town Hall turned 100 years old in 2010. Originally the first high school, it evolved into a junior high, community building and is now a combination community center and municipal offices complex. Appropriate publicity was provided local media and display boards created by David Tanguay of the Society were placed in local public places.

Ice Cutting

Ice harvesting was big business in Maine’s history. Today, a few folks continue to practice this old skill. Lyle Merrifield in nearby North Gorham, provided an opportunity for the public to watch and participate – and this special event was a field trip for Society members