News of 2009

Land Purchase

We are happy to announce the Patten Lumbermens Museum has purchased an additional 9.8 acres of land. For many years, it has been of great importance to the Board of Directors for the Museum to expand our location to include both sides of Rt. 159. While ¼ acre for our sign and permission of use of the remaining area for events was generous, ownership seemed optimal. Years ago, the land was offer for sale but the museum was not in a financial position to move forward. Since then, we have had the good fortune to receive a donation of land on the outskirts of town in which a small lot was sold to the adjoining landowner. The donor had expressed his great desire and the importance for the Museum to purchase acreage on the south side of Rt.159 for future use.  The proceeds from the transaction on the donated land were then in turn used to secure this greatly sought after parcel on Rt.159. We feel this added acreage will allow for the much needed expansion of the Museum, increase our visual presence in the community and to emphasize our commitment to the future of the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum. We give great appreciative and thanks to Robert Chester and Rob Ritchie for their roles in allowing the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum to acquire this valuable asset.

The success and longevity of Patten Lumbermen’s Museum must employ many different forms of creative financing. Admission fees, new members and renewed memberships, donations from very generous individuals, surrounding towns and various companies allow for the “day to day” coverage of expenses associated with operating the museum.

Maintenance and expansion rely on separate financial entities.

A charitable gift of land deeded to the Museum is a powerful example of how the museum’s mission can be realized and its future success secured for generations to come.

EQUIPMENT BUILDING

Progress is being made on the construction of the new 40’x80’ Equipment Shed. The foundation was prepared and poured late in the summer of 2008. Since then, we have relied on donations of materials for the walls and roof to continue the project. The Pleasant River Lumber Co. and Huber Corp. have been very instrumental in securing the framing materials, as have many other individuals and Corporations.

  With the help of many volunteers, the walls and roof were erected before the snow began to fly in 2009. Our next effort will be to secure the needed “finish” materials to include roofing metal, siding and doors. We have to say a big thank you to our “Paul Bunyan” type volunteers who donated over 250 hours in this construction phase!

 

Volunteers and Board Members joined together for the 1^st annual “End of the Season” Pot Luck dinner in November.

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 Bill Green’s Maine   September  9, 2009

Bill  Green  has long   been  an anchor/reporter of Maine stories and   documentaries for  WLBZ where he developed an expertise in recreation and the outdoors. In 2000,  he  launched  an original series, "Bill Green's Maine." This program  airs   Saturdays at 7:00pm and has become the Most-Watched show in its time period. We were honored that The Patten Lumbermen's Museum was selected as a feature of Bill Green's Maine.

 During Bill’s visit to the Patten Lumbermen's Museum, numerous people became instant local celebrities as they related their tales of life as a lumberman, the creation of museum itself and the importance of the museum presence in the community.

The    show   aired  statewide November 9,  2009  providing a much greater public awareness of Patten Lumbermen’s Museum and the  historic  treasures  our museum holds.

August 2007

Patten Lumberman’s Museum Receives $7,000.00 Grant

From Maine Community Foundation

 

The Patten Lumbermen’s Museum is excited to announce its involvement as a Museum Partner with ShopforMuseums.com fundraising program.  Support Patten Lumbermen’s Museum Whenever You Shop Online! Did you know that by shopping online, you can earn extra donation money for Patten Lumbermen’s Museum?  We have partnered with ShopforMuseums.com, a national museum fundraising program where you can shop with hundreds of your favorite online stores at no extra cost to you, and have a percentage of your purchase amount donated to the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum.  The next time you ponder purchasing large items online such as computers, Christmas gifts or business equipment, remember to go through  www.ShopforMuseums.com.

Here’s How:

• Go to www.ShopforMuseums.com
• Log in.
• Click on the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum.
• Then just click on the link of the store you want to visit and go about your shopping.

Stores are organized by categories.  The percentage of your purchase will be tracked automatically as long as you begin each time at www.ShopforMuseums.com. Enroll today and please tell your friends and family to use ShopforMuseums.com.