Several visitors have been doing research for books or were on the genealogy trail seeking their Dexter roots and have been pleased with the assistance and information given them.

Curator Richard Whitney has been joined by intern Amanda Pullen for the 37th season for the museum. They have designed a new exhibit on the history of the grist mill building, which is 150 years old this year. The exhibit features a timeline, Sanborn insurance maps that show how the mill property expanded over the years and photos of the various millers, all members of the Maxfield/Small/Wilkins family.

Whitney and Pullen have also created an exhibit of new acquisitions which includes contrasting pieces of china; English Mulberry ware from the mid-1800s from the Coolidge-Barton family and a Japanese tea set from the mid-1900s from the Corbin family. Some other items are a Maine State Grange sash belonging to Jesse Hoyt and a photo of Dexter Bowlaway champion team, the Keglars from 1965.

The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 4:00 and Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00. Various items are available for purchase in the gift shop area, including Fernwood blocks, the 2004 calendar and the book "Around Ripley" by Frank Spizuoco.

The monthly meeting of the society will be held on Wednesday, July 21 at 7:00 PM in the Crawford Conference Room at the Abbott Museum. All are welcome to attend. For information call 924-5721.