FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFreedom — September 22, 2006 — Ossipee Lake Alliance and Ossipee historian Barry Hill have announced the start of a multi-year research project they hope will result in the publication of a book on the history of Ossipee Lake.
Dozens of volunteers will be needed for the project, and the group has scheduled a public information meeting for Saturday, October 14 at 9 AM at Calumet Conference Center in Freedom. At the meeting, Hill will outline the research activities needed for the project, ranging from collecting and collating photographs to researching land records to recording oral histories.
Anyone who is interested is invited to attend with no obligation. After the meeting, people who want to participate can attend a follow-up meeting in November and receive a research assignment.
Alliance executive director David Smith said the project is a natural extension of the organization’s annual “Tales of Ossipee Lake” presentations on the lake’s human and natural history.
“Barry co-presented our first Tales event, “The Ghost of Ossipee Lake,” and we have been talking with him about a book about the lake ever since.”
According to Hill, research on the project will encompass the lake’s geology and environment as well as its human history from prehistoric times to the present; from early settlers to the construction of the dam and the advent of tourists, inns and camps.
“A project like this requires a lot of research,” he said, “and we think making it a community effort is a great way to launch it and build momentum. No matter what you’re interested in, we will find an assignment for you to work on.”
Alliance co-director Susan Marks said she hopes the project will attract people who are new to the area as well as long-time residents.
“The lake is one of the main focal points of our area, and this is an opportunity for newcomers to learn more about their community and meet long-time residents at the same time.”
Calumet Conference Center is on Ossipee Lake Road in Freedom. Directions are online at www.calumet.org. For additional information on the book project, contact Susan Marks at smmarks@www.ossipeelake.org.