By Molly Lovell

Staff Writer

Arundel did not have a historical society until two years ago and now the society envisions  something else the town has never had – a center.

The society plans to establish an office and community library on a roughly one-acre parcel of land now home to the Talbot House at the corner of River and Old Post roads, said Jake Hawkins, the society’s vice president. 

The Talbot House was moved to that location from the current site of VIP Parts, Tire and Service in 2006.

According to a story published in the Post in October 2006, the building housed The Front Porch Antiques and Collectibles, and was scheduled to be demolished to make way for VIP until Tony Woodsum purchased the house.  Woodsum could not be reached for comment as of press time.

The Woodsum family, which lives across the street, has agreed to sell the house and land to the society for an undisclosed amount of money, Hawkins said.

However, Hawkins said the entire project, including transporting another building from Route 111 to the current site, is estimated to cost $250,000.

That building, located at the Paquette/Lunt Farm, was donated by the Mador family of Arundel. 

Hawkins said the society’s seven board members envision two buildings to house historical society collections, children’s programs and space for the community to meet.

“We’re not thinking just books, but more of a learning center,” he said, adding, “Our mission as a historical society is to build on community spirit.”

Hawkins said residents have acknowledged the need for a community center in the past, but nothing evolved from that interest.

Arundel Historical Society President Melanie Mitchell said the society’s plans are still in the very beginning stages. It recently was certified as a nonprofit by the state and is awaiting tax exemption status from the Internal Revenue Service.

She also said the new community space is not meant to take away from Kennebunk Free Library, where 20 percent of Arundel residents are patrons.

“We’re figuring out our plan. We’re a really creative group of individuals who have a lot of great ideas who are really looking for the best plan for the town of Arundel,” Mitchell said. 

Mitchell’s hobby of tracing genealogy prompted her to join Arundel’s new historical society when she moved here a couple years ago from New Hampshire.

“I have over 8,000 individuals in my family tree and found we had family ties to Arundel,” she said.

Mitchell said she was “surprised” Arundel didn’t have a historical society.

“Every town and city should have one. It’s just an important piece of maintaining history, so it doesn’t get forgotten or lost.”

Mitchell is currently keeping Arundel town reports from 1916 to the present. She has been working on compiling vital records from the reports, which eventually will be a source for others who want to trace their own family trees. 

Hawkins said the society does not plan to approach the town for funding for its project right now, but instead will host community fundraisers and seek grants and donations to further the cause.

Mitchell recognized that “everyone needs money,” and said the society may approach the town for funds  down the road.

The historical society has about 120 members who receive its quarterly newsletter. To receive the newsletter or for more information, contact Mitchell at 283-0974 or email arundelhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Staff Writer Molly Lovell can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 223 or news@kennebunkpost.com.