In a recent article on the Nott House, your reporter quoted Betsy Ames-Fitzgerald, president of the Kennebunkport Historical Society, as calling Lawrence Soule a “rogue board member” (“Society explores selling Nott House,” July 23).

I know Larry as a longtime, ardent supporter of the society. I can speak personally because I served on the board when he was president.

At a membership meeting on April 21, Soule spoke out strongly in favor of keeping The Nott house. Subsequently, Ames-Fitzgerald appointed him to the board. Was this to take advantage of his interest and experience or was it to try and silence him? Soule’s input has not been requested or wanted.

What the society desperately needs is a more enlightened management. Maybe it will get one at the annual meeting.

Douglas Leonard

Member, Kennebunkport

Historical Society

To the editor:

I want to commend the Post on bringing to the public’s attention the financial difficulties currently facing the Kennebunkport Historical Society.

During the last several years there has been a lack of good communication from the society to its members.

This spring a hired consultant had an informational meeting to provide members with more technical information and a recommendation to sell the Nott House.

More recently, board members, Finn MacDonald and Larry Soule felt the information was incomplete and hired a further report from two independent, well-known curators. As all members cannot attend society meetings both these reports with a unbiased cover letter were mailed to the membership.

For Betsy Ames-Fitzgerald, the society president, to publicly call Larry Soule “a rogue board member” is entirely out of order.

He has been a dedicated and hard working volunteer for many years as well as former president of the society.

There is nothing out of line in disseminating as much documented information to all members so they can make an informed decision on the future of the Nott House and the society.

Ames-Fitzgerald owes Soule a public apology for this characterization.

Ralph L. Smith Jr.

Founding member, Kennebunkport Historical Society