The Androscoggin Historical Society has entered the final phase of a $750,000 fundraising campaign to support the purchase of 93 Lisbon St. in Lewiston, relocation from the third floor of the County Courthouse in Auburn, and the first three years of expanded operations in its new home.

The “Family Initiative” includes a 9-foot mural installed in the main gallery and the opportunity for donors making a gift of $5,000 to include their family name on the mural with an accompanying family history added to a special section in the archives. The mural, “People of the Androscoggin Build Community: Past, Present & Future,” identifies each of the towns united by the Androscoggin River and its tributaries with the date of incorporation as well as a photograph. The photographs will change periodically and feature themes such as grange halls, schoolhouses, churches and local businesses, as part of the gallery’s rotating exhibitions, according to a news release from the society.

While the society freely accepts genealogical materials, donors to the poject will receive assistance documenting their family story and curating photographs as well as being acknowledged on the mural. The history of Androscoggin County is enriched by generations — past and present — of iconic small businesses, civic and political leaders, educators and successful athletes. The mural will not only provide visitors to the society the map of Androscoggin County but also the names of families who have been part of the county’s heritage and are contributing to its future prosperity.

The society’s museum, library and archives are open to the public, free of charge from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, noon to 4 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in the summer and fall during each last Friday Art Walk.

For more information, to volunteer or make a gift, or to learn about upcoming special programs, visit androhistory.org, email [email protected] or call 207-784-0586.

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