Willi Irish, in character as Mercy Lovejoy, a 19th century town pauper, will provide the program for the Readfield Historical Society annual meeting on March 18. Dennis Woltering photo

Readfield Historical Society plans to hold its annual meeting and program at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Gile Hall, 8 Old Kents Hill Road.

The program will follow a brief business meeting, provided by Willi Irish of Livermore, who will appear in character as Mercy Lovejoy, 19th century pauper.

Irish has decades of experience in historical interpretation as the widow Clara Howard, an 1853 school teacher, among other 18th and 19th century women. Lovejoy’s life was a sad one in some respects, but Irish tells her stories with a touch of humor while enlightening her listeners about a pauper’s experience in days of long ago, according to a news release from Dale Potter Clark, society secretary and RHS board member.

“I feel confident in saying that anyone who has observed Willi Irish in her role as a historical interpreter, at Norlands Living History Center, can attest to her skill at making history come alive,” said Potter-Clark.

All ages are welcome, including interested school-aged children with their adults.

Items from the RHS gift shop will be available to purchase, including the book “The Paupers and the Poor Farms: Support and Care of the Poor in Readfield” by Potter-Clark. Refreshments will be served.

There is no charge for this event, but donations can be made to the Norlands Living History Center. New and existing RHS members who wish to vote at the business meeting can pay or renew their dues at the door.

RHS was founded in 1985 to preserve the rich history of Readfield and its people. Its museum and archives at 759 Main St. are open through the summer months or during other seasons by appointment when weather and temperatures allow.

Appointments can be made by contacting Bob Harris, RHS president, at readfieldhistorical@gmail.com or 207-377-2299.

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