Historical Society names Director of the Year
At the recent quarterly board meeting of the Presque Isle Historical Society, Rick Nadeau was named the Society’s second annual Director of the Year.
Photo courtesy of Kim Smith
Rick Nadeau, at left, receives his Director of Year award from last year’s recipient, PI Historical Society’s President Craig Green.
Nadeau is a very civic- and community-minded individual. For several years, he was a dedicated volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine. He was awarded the prestigious “Mike Williams” Award by the Make-A-Wish Foundation which is the highest honor given to a volunteer for dedication and service to the organization. Nadeau also served on the Playhouse Selection Committee to benefit the “Dress A Child” program for United Way of Aroostook. In 1992, he was a judge for the VICA State Convention & U.S. Skill Olympics. Both he and his wife, Marilyn, were actively involved in the SAD 1 Music Boosters from 2002-08. In 2008, he was inducted into the Construction Hall of Fame at the Northern Maine Community College.
Nadeau is a long-standing member of the Carpentry Craft Committee for Presque Isle High School and the Residential Carpentry Advisory Board for Northern Maine Community College. He previously served on the Building Board of Appeals for the city of Presque Isle and is currently a trustee for the Presque Isle Water District.
Nadeau is a current member of the NMCC Foundation Board and also serves as an adjunct instructor in construction management. In 2011, the Nadeaus established a scholarship fund designated for second-year students enrolled in the residential construction program at the NMCC. He also has enjoyed crewing for the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival pilots over the past few years.
Rick and his wife are lifetime members of the Historical Society and are very active in the various programs and events. He joined the Society’s board in 2012. It was primarily for his efforts with and support of the Maysville Museum Project that Nadeau was nominated for this honor by his fellow directors.
In 2010, in an effort to save a local historic landmark, the Historical Society made the decision to raise the funds to purchase the Maysville Grange building on the corner of the Caribou and Brewer roads. Maysville was a small town located along U.S. Route 1 between the towns of Presque Isle and Caribou. The town was annexed by Presque Isle in 1883. During Maysville’s “heyday,” the Town Hall, District School, and Maysville Grange No. 153 were located simultaneously at this site. Maysville also plays a role in international history with its ties to the Aroostook War.
Upon completion, the building itself will serve as a museum primarily on the Aroostook War, the two Presque Isle granges, the 21 one-room schoolhouses that existed in the Presque Isle area, and some of the well known individuals from Presque Isle’s history that were actually from the Maysville area. Many individuals and businesses have come forward to offer their services on a pro bono basis, primarily due to Nadeau’s efforts.
For more information on the Society, its programs or services or to make a tax-deductible contribution, visit www.pihistory.org, call 762-1151, or email pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com.
