Historical society receives exhibit grant
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle Historical Society has received a grant from the Robert M. MacNamara Foundation for a new exhibit entitled “Agri-CULTURE.”
“Agriculture shaped our community and economy during our developing years and continues to play an important role today. The exhibit will consist of five displays, some of which are interactive, showcasing the various means of transporting goods to market from the 1800s to today; how the amount of time to harvest a one-acre crop of potatoes has changed from the 1800s to today; the fact that farmers have used 99 percent of the cow throughout history to provide for the needs of the farm and farm family; antique farm implements; and an antique burlap 100-pound potato sack,” said Kimberly Smith, secretary-treasurer on the Presque Isle Historical Society’s board of directors.
In 2000, Maine grew 63,000 acres of potatoes, which represents 4.6 percent of the US potato acreage. Nearly 90 percent of Maine’s potato acreage is grown in Aroostook County. In fact, Aroostook County ranks first in the U.S. for total potato crop acreage by county. The first acre of potatoes in Aroostook County was planted and harvested in Maysville, according to Smith.
“With agriculture, farms and potato crops playing such a large part in our community’s history and economic development, it is important for today’s youth to understand this history and how it has changed our local society. It is expected that the exhibit will be ready by late summer or early fall. The exhibit will be available for school field trips,” Smith added.