Stanley Museum scholarship recipient Forest Collins of Kingfield stands between two Stanley Steamers. (David Hart photo) KINGFIELD — Following renovations and policy changes designed to encourage local participation, the Stanley Museum is embarking on a new outreach philosophy that seeks input from residents.

Members of the Stanley Museum board and staff seek local support and input in a campaign to join the organization the town’s residents at the hip.

Under the direction of new managing director Howard Randall, the Kingfield community is invited to offer suggestions and ideas as well as become involved with the museum.

At recent town gatherings trustee Debbie Smith of Weld announced that all local Kingfield residents are invited admission free. Additionally, for the first time ever a local Mt. Abram High School graduate became eligible for a $1,000 scholarship. Lastly, due to the board’s continuing desire for local input, it recently created a new committee that will do just that —seek local input.

Museum supporters over the year have invested in significant renovations to the building signifying their desire in remain in Kingfield.

“The Stanley Museum is looking forward to a bright future in Kingfield,” Smith said.

Last fall, the building had insulation blown in to all of the walls, sealing in much of the heat that had been escaping. Improvements continued with the installation of windows downstairs and painting the front of the building.

All of the contractors were hired and the building material purchased locally. Plans are underway for work on the roof and other improvements as money becomes available, Smith said.

“A new local committee is being established to develop ideas for having the museum be more widely used by the town and to foster community involvement,” Smith said. The committee will be established at an upcoming local Program and Membership Development meeting.

Smith will be at the meeting to en- gage local community support and get ideas from members. The meeting is open to the public and local residents are urged to attend. Smith said she has recently heard some great ideas from interested locals and said she hopes to get more local interest in improving the use of the museum.

The committee will be formed Thursday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. at Webster Hall.

She said some of the ideas she heard included using the free space upstairs for alumni meetings, art classes and other community events. Other ideas are sure to be generated, she said.

During regular hours of the museum all local Kingfield residents can come and go free of charge.

“It is hoped that community members will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the wonderful Stanley family,” Smith explained.

“We feel the museum is a great asset to the town and draws in visitors, who then go into the village for something to eat and to shop locally. We would be very happy to work with local community organizations to help fulfill their needs.”

Mt. Abram valedictorian graduate Forest Collins of Kingfield was the recipient of the museum’s first $1,000 scholarship. Collins has worked and volunteered for the museum while also serving as a junior firefighter for Kingfield, over the past three and half years.

“His level of community service, his volunteerism and his scholastic achievements were just some of the reasons that Forest was selected. As you know the Stanley family was great community supporters,” Smith explained.

“Not only am I appreciative of the scholarship,” Collins explained, “I am thankful for all of the experiences the museum has given me, such as, learning how to ‘fire up’ and drive a Stanley Steamer, going on steam tours across the Northeast, and providing me with a summer job.”

“I hope that the town and the museum will benefit through this new philosophy,” Collins concluded.