The Oxford Historical Society has received a grant in the amount of $5,000 from the Katharine Matthies Foundation, Bank of America, Trustee, to support the opening of the Twitchell-Rowland Homestead Museum.
The grant award is another major step in the Historical Society’s efforts to save and prepare the 250-year old farmstead for use as Oxford’s first museum.
The building will feature exhibits on the history of agriculture, the use of waterpower, and a timeline of Oxford’s local history.
When complete and open to the public, the facility will enable the Society to house and display their growing collection of local artifacts and photos. Because there are other old houses open to the public in nearby towns that feature life as it was in the Colonial period, the Society chose not to replicate their exhibits.
Instead, the museum will emphasize agriculture, waterpower technology and a time line of local history.
The agricultural exhibit room will feature the history of state and local agriculture. It will show agricultural tools and feature exhibits and programs promoting the humane treatment of livestock and responsible use of the land for food production. These displays will be of particular importance to the numerous local 4H clubs in the region.
The waterpower technology room will reflect the Oxford’s history as an early manufacturing town with mills powered by local streams. The science involved in the production of waterpower will be explored from the physics of early waterwheels through the development of modern hydroelectric power.
Oxford homes did not get electricity until the construction of the Stevenson dam in the early 1900’s.
Our emphasis on the value of this renewable, nonpolluting energy will encourage responsible use of power.
When open, the museum will hold programs for the general public and promote class trips at all grade levels for exploring local history, agriculture, and renewable energy. The museum will also feature rotating exhibits in these exhibit areas.
Because the focus is not only relevant to the local community, the Society expects to serve youth and adults from neighboring communities as well.
The Society will develop a series of programs for a variety of youth organizations based specifically on merit badge requirements, so the Society can offer support to local adult leaders as they encourage their members to learn and advance through the ranks.
These programs also will be provided for surrounding towns.
The Society will provide a literature distribution center for local organizations, such as the Oxford Land Trust, to encourage appreciation of the natural resources of the area and to promote
volunteerism and a sense of community.
Working with Master Gardener candidates from the Agricultural Extension Service, the Society has started a historic garden in the front of the Homestead. Donations of plants have been received from local gardeners and the Oxford Parent-Teacher Organization.
Plans are underway to develop two native plant gardens in the back yard of the Homestead, one for shade and one for sun. Plant varieties will be identified by both common and scientific name, teaching native plant identification and encouraging preservation of native species.
Historical Society President Louise N. Burr expressed her appreciation for the Matthies Foundation grant. “It will be a great help in the coming months,” she said.
