Updates

Our fearless leader has done a great job of sending out updates via email. Because email is so timely and most people check it pretty often, that will continue. But here are archives of those emails.

toc =August 16, 2008= Hello all--

I would like to welcome Cindy S, Paul M and Nancy P to the MCHP email list. For this message I have requested a return receipt, to make sure everyone is getting the group emails.

Quick re-cap for those new to the project. We are creating a website within the Maine Memory Network that showcases and provides access to historical materials in Farmington. For the months of August and September our focus is create an inventory of resources (local historical collection, organizations, buildings, landmarks, knowledgeable people, books, articles, etc.)

Since we are using the walking tour as a simple framework several key topics have already be identified.

North Church (impact of religion) Meeting House Park (Farmington as an important historical hub, county seat) Downtown business district (business development in Farmington) The depot (transportation, trains/native american travel routes) Corn cannery (agriculture in Farmington) Abbott Park (parks, botany, sporting impact) UMF (Education & the development of Farmington) Farmington Public Library (cultural history) Other topics

Farmington as a tourist destination Preservation of local history (Butler Family, etc.)

Our next meeting is September 5 at 3 p.m. (with the understanding that some may arrive later)

Several specific tasks need to be accomplished in the upcoming weeks.

1. Contacting individuals 2. Identifying landmarks & buildings 3. Organizing the writing (narrative history) 4. Continued work on the inventory 5. Lots of other 'stuff'!

Don't forget to keep track of your hours & please let the entire group know if there is a work date set. Theresa has set up a wiki I'm sure she will have access info soon.

Thanks, Melanie

=July 24, 2008=

Hello all--

Updates.

1. Several of the group met at the Historical Society to briefly discuss the project, archival technique and the direction of the first exhibit. Taffy put together a great power point about the impact of education on the development of Farmington. Since it seemed the natural way to go at this point, we are going to focus on that aspect of local history. The project will include a map of the original 31 (yes, 31) school districts. There are several early artifacts including the ledger for expenditures of one district circa 1820s.

2. We need to start a physical inventory of materials. The Historical Society has completed about 5000 items, since there is so much at the Titcomb house, we thought perhaps focusing on the educational artifacts might be a good way to begin.

3. There will be a meeting at CCGIS on July 30 at 1:30 for a general overview of GPS, GIS, etc.

4. Here is the list of names of people we should contact regarding the project. Theresa has suggested that we make sure we do not contact them more than once, and is willing to keep a list of contacts. So if you are willing to or have contacted anyone -- or would like to add to the list, please let her know.

Paul Mills (Melanie is in contact via email) Nancy Porter (is working on the project & attended the Sat meeting) Janet Mills (has been contacted, no response)

Joe Holman (he is on the Board of Trustees of the Library, so I'll do this) Tom Easler Paul Frederic Karen Smith Tom Mellon Mallet School (Cindy Stevens) regarding recorded interviews Mt. Blue TV regarding interviews Pierce House (80 Main St) regarding resident interviews

5. We probably should do a mini-walking tour to fill out inventory on parks, statues & buildings. I would love to do this--so if anyone has any interest in a good walk, let me know.

6. Inventory begun at the Library.

7. Next Meeting August 8th.

If I missed anything please let me know! M

=Sept. 23, 2008= Hello all--

Just a quick update of Monday's meeting.

The purpose of the meeting was to clarify topics and roles for the MCHP project. The following is the loose agenda we had for the meeting. Notes are in.

TASKS

1. Everyone should have a password and/or be familiar with MMN 2. Creating a contributing partner account for website development (Theresa will set up an account)

a. Welcome page b. Narrative history (based on the 11 broad topics, 8 from the walking tour & 3 additional) c. Online exhibits d. Inventory (this is ongoing--we have decided to purchase 2 large binders to keep track of the inventory sheets, paper for the project & a file box to organize photos under topics) e. About us f. Description of MCHP (MHS)

3. Digitization of selected materials (we will have regular meetings beginning in October to begin the digitizing--meetings will be BOTH at the library & the Titcomb House--Nancy will be consulted to arrange times)

4. Catalog materials (Melanie will work on the cataloging once the digitizing begins)

5. Mapping (It was decided to include the mapping as part of the Narrative, overlaying topical maps (original survey & lot division, mill development, education, etc. Maps can be linked into the exhibits from the main page)

6. Creating/storyboarding/writing online exhibits (ongoing) 7. Equipment purchase (Theresa will oversee the purchase of items & will be on the acct set up for the project)

TOPICS (we have decided to focus on THESE four topics--there is some flexibility within the grant framework, for example, the schools might like to explore sports, Theresa has 3 students interested in overseeing an exhibit each)

1. Agriculture

a. Corn canning (walking tour) b. Native America corn introduction c. Farmington Fair d. Heirloom vegetables/plant introduction e. Census—livestock/agricultural development f. Freight costs hurting local economy/Farmington as biggest producer g. Scientifically important (inventors/scientists)

2. Cultural (Melanie will over see this topic)

a. Supply Belcher b. Library c. Movies d. Clubs e. Bands f. Nordica

3. Education

4. Early Settlement (Cindy will be exploring this topic with her students & will continue her work on inventors as well)

Monthly calendars will be arranged at our regular meetings. Input is always welcome! Thanks, M