PERHAM, Maine — The Perham Historical Society, formed following this spring’s town meeting, is among Aroostook County’s newest non-profit organizations.
Its primary mission is to restore the North Star School, thanks to the generosity of the voters, on Tangle Ridge Road as a museum to showcase historical items of personal, social and natural importance for the people of Perham.
Organizers said many people all over Maine, as well as folks from The County, can trace their lineage to Perham, in many cases to three or four original Perham families. In addition to making available detailed family histories, the society devotes itself to preserving the history of Salmon Brook Lake, a centerpiece of Perham’s natural beauty.
John Rasmussen, executive director of the society, said the lake is “a living natural history museum” and deserves recognition for its beautiful and unique habitat.
“There are many buildings in Perham that we can never save, but we hope to restore them digitally,” said Rasmussen, Executive Director of the Society, “like Loring’s Communications Annex, a cement structure that is too far to gone to salvage. At present, it is full of graffiti, but even that is a window into Perham culture — a time capsule of incredible value.”
Rasmussen said the Society cannot save the town’s legacy on their own. Members want citizens to join their efforts.
“We are sending out a call for pictures, writings, drawings, personal interviews — anything that can help tell your forefathers’ stories,” he added.
All these memories will be preserved digitally on the society’s website and the originals returned. If a collection is too large or valuable, residents may contact members and they will set up a visit.
