The Canton Historical Society (CHS) is hosting a celebration of its 50th anniversary. Spend the day with members and friends of the CHS, see some special new exhibits, hear a talk on an historical Canton native, and stay for the party!

The events will take place on Saturday, July 26th at the Canton Historical Society’s building at 25 Turner Street in Canton, Maine.

The museum will open 10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. for visitors to explore the collections, including new exhibits featuring maps of Canton through history and the paintings of Mary Neal Richardson—a portrait artist from Canton in the 19th and 20th centuries. There will also be a quilt show featuring historical quilts from the collections of both the Canton and Jay Historical Societies.

At 2 p.m., Mr. Fred Thompson will give a talk on the aforementioned Mary Neal Richardson about whom he’s written a book. During her life, Mary painted portraits of several of his family members.

Then, at 4 p.m., the party will start outdoors on the lawn. Drinks will be available at a cash bar offered by Boondocks Farm’s Backwoods Affair and food will be available for purchase at Alabama’s BBQ’s Phat Vinnie’s Food Truck. Both vendors accept cash or credit. Those wishing to have alcoholic beverages will be asked to provide identification—and please, no outside beverages.

Because our society was founded in 1975, we urge everyone to wear their 1970s garb! Think tie-dye, denim, disco, bell bottoms, miniskirts, maxi dresses, hippy-style, and “flower power.”

Each attendee will receive a 50th Anniversary souvenir gift (while supplies last), PLUS a slice of cake following the cake cutting! Also, the Country Store will be open!

Admission is FREE. All ages are welcome, and the events are open to the public. The venue is handicap accessible. Parking is curbside or at the Public Boat Launch around the corner. If it rains the party will be moved inside.

The Canton Historical Society is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization devoted to the preservation and celebration of Canton’s heritage and history.

If you would like more information about this event, please email cantonmehistorical@gmail.com, or go to www.cantonmehistory.org or the “Canton Maine Historical Society” Facebook page.