Officials seek funding for museum project
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Members of the Presque Isle Historical Society are asking for the public’s support — and vote — as they pursue funding to complete the Maysville Museum Project, with the hope of being selected for funding available through Pepsi.
“The Maysville Museum Project is listed on the Pepsi Refresh Project website with a possibility of getting $50,000 towards the renovations. We need people to go to www.refresheverything.com and choose the $50,000 projects and then the ‘community’ projects and look for the Presque Isle Historical Society. We need to get as many ‘votes’ as we can by the end of June in order to be approved. People can vote for up to five of their favorites every day,” said Kim Smith, treasurer for the Historical Society.
According to Smith, Pepsi is giving up to $1.125 million in grants every month: 10 at the $50,000 level, 15 at the $25,000 level, 15 at the $10,000 level and 20 at the $5,000 level.
“We have made it to round 2 and need the public’s votes to move forward,” noted Smith.
“Also, anyone who buys the specially-marked Pepsi products that say ‘power votes’ on them will have a special code under the lid giving us 100 votes with their one vote using the code,” added Smith.
The Maysville Museum Project involves the refurbishing of the former Grange Hall, located on Route 1 north of the city. Fundraising has begun and once completed, the museum will serve as a catalyst for funding to restore the historic firehouse.
“The overall budget for phase 1 (to get the museum open) is only $140,000, so this $50,000 would be a huge help in getting us there. Remember, having this museum open will leverage funds towards the $2 million we need for the fire station renovations,” she said.
Smith said public support has already begun for the Maysville upgrade.
“We have received so much support from the community for this project with local companies stepping forward with in-kind donations (estimated at at least $30,000 so far). We do have a wish list, if anyone’s interested,” said Smith.
Items on the wish list include: labor and lumber to repair the front entrance and to construct a handicapped access ramp; money and/or labor to repair north side windows and sashes; $2,400 for asbestos abatement, labor for interior demolition, funds or in-kind donations for new concrete siding, a furnace, ductwork, a heating oil tank and piping; labor to repair the hole where a duct was removed, as well as sanding and refinishing the hardwood floor; funds or in-kind donations for new water heaters, a gravel driveway, parking area and new office furniture.
Smith said the completion of the Maysville project will have a big impact on Presque Isle.
“First and very importantly, having this building open as a museum will leverage additional grant funding for us for the renovation of the historic fire station. Secondly, paperwork has already been submitted to President Obama to declare this site a National Memorial/Monument to the Aroostook War,” said Smith, adding, “If granted, this would mean an influx of federal dollars and new tourism dollars as it might just be the smallest national park in the country, with only a half acre of land.”
In addition, the building will serve as a museum on the Aroostook War, the two Presque Isle granges, the movers and shakers of Maysville and an overview of the one-room schoolhouses common to the area in years past, said Smith.
Efforts continue to come up with the necessary funds to complete the work at no cost to taxpayers.
“We have two grants under consideration at the moment. One, if obtained, will provide roof shingles, lighting fixtures, drywall, drywall tape and mud, insulation and cabinets. The second is the Pepsi Refresh Grant, which we are asking people to vote, once a day every day, from now until June 29. This one will provide funding for phase 2. Phase 2 will provide ADA compliant restrooms, a well, piping and a septic tank and drain field. This phase will allow the museum to be open every day on a year-round basis,” said Smith.
To receive funds through the Pepsi program, the project needs to have a ranking of 10 or better, said Smith.
“Every vote is appreciated,” Smith said.
For more information, visit www.refresheverything.com, type in “Presque Isle Historical Society” in the search tool on the site, then cast your vote.
