FARMINGTON — Historical societies and sites are banding together to open on one Saturday during the upcoming foliage season.

The first annual Franklin County History Tour will take place at participating sites from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 4.

Representatives from several historical societies met last week at Franklin Memorial Hospital to finalize plans for the event.

The idea came up quickly within the last month, Jane Stinchfield, curator of the Phillips Historical Society, said.

Although the idea was raised by Allan Socea, curator of the Phillips Railroad Collection, Stinchfield is leading the effort this year.

After a recent Phillips Historical Society board meeting, some were brainstorming how to bring more people in to view the exhibits.

Socea suggested getting local societies to all open at the same time on a fall day, since the area was known for beautiful foliage and scenery.

Stinchfield raised the idea at a meeting which included representatives from Farmington and other historical societies.

The idea was well-accepted, but time for planning was short, so we’re keeping it simple this year, she said.

Although the event is called a tour, it would be nearly impossible to visit all the sites, she said. People will have to pick and choose which ones they are most interested in.

The tour includes sites in Wilton, Farmington, Strong, Phillips, Rangeley and Kingfield.  

An online Zee Map of locations has been created by Taffy Davis of the Farmington Historical Society. The group decided last week to create signs and brochures for the event.

The sites include Farmington’s Titcomb House, Octagon House and North Church, the Hammond Museum in Strong, Madrid Historical Society, Phillips Historical Society, Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad, Rangeley Lakes Region Historical Society, Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum, Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum, Kingfield Historical Society, Stanley Museum and Wilton Farm and Home Museum.

The annual ghost train will run that evening in Phillips from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad.

Weld and New Sharon Historical Societies have closed for the season and New Vineyard is in the process of moving, she said. Lexington Highland was also interested but could not do it this year. The four will be included next year.

Organizers were unable to contact other historical societies within the county in such a short time. They were not sure who the officers or contact people are, she said.

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